A computing cloud for monitoring physical environments

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a computing cloud for monitoring physical environments. The computing cloud comprises at least one data storage unit that is configured to store project data, diagnostic data or environmental metric data. The computing cloud also comprises a system project application module that is configured to allow a user to graphically explore at least the project data, and to control graphical access to one or more application modules based on a user&#39;s credentials. The one or more application modules comprise a module that is configured to graphically facilitate the user&#39;s creation and manipulation of a virtual model of a physical environment.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed generally to the cloud-basedmonitoring and control of physical environments, such as indoor oroutdoor spaces. More particularly, various inventive systems, methodsand apparatuses disclosed herein relate to seamlessly deployingcloud-based space usage monitoring systems, indirectly and directlymeasuring power consumption, and using cloud-based analytics to mine thegathered data for key insights on energy consumption and management.

BACKGROUND

The monitoring of indoor environments as well as resources (e.g. the useof appliances) has recently gained importance as energy efficiency hasbecome crucial to cost savings, and technological advances in a varietyof areas of endeavor have made it possible to gather and processrelevant data in real time. However, despite these technologicaladvances, which we describe in some detail below, there are a host ofhurdles (e.g. issues of data privacy and scalability) that have not yetbeen sufficiently addressed by the state of the art.

For a variety of reasons, indoor as well as outdoor lighting ispresently moving away from traditional fluorescent, HID, andincandescent lamps, and towards digital lighting technologiesincorporating semiconductor light sources (e.g. light-emitting diodes(LEDs)). LED lighting offers, among other benefits, the advantages ofcontrollability, high energy conversion and optical efficiency,durability, and significantly lower operating costs. Additionally, morerecent advances in controllable LED technology has resulted in a varietyof efficient and robust full-spectrum lighting sources that can beeasily controlled to create various lighting effects and scenes for usein theatrical, office or home settings.

As in lighting technologies, rapid developments have been made in thearea of sensor technologies as well. As a result of these improvements,sensors are becoming smaller, cheaper and therefore more ubiquitous. Asthey now fit into various everyday devices (e.g. light source housings,cameras, and various other small appliances), they are not only beingused to continuously measure and monitor simpler environmental metrics(e.g. natural illumination, noise, occupancy, temperature, humidity) butalso more complex metrics such as resource and space usage, activitylevels, intrusion, and mood, which may require the coordinated use of avarious of sensor types.

Further, the intersections of innovation in the realms of wirelesscommunications, smart mobile devices, and cloud computing have createdeven more possibilities for smart environments. With a new generation ofcomputing devices with unparalleled mobility and computational power,connected appliances (e.g. Internet of Things), access to ubiquitousconnected sensors, and the processing and analytic power of cloud-basedservices, we are now able to gather and process data from both ourimmediate and remote environments in near real time. As more devices areable to not only connect to a public or private network (e.g. theInternet), but also to connect and communicate with each other, therehas been a proliferation of data regarding our physical environment. Wenow know when devices have broken or are close to reaching their end oflife, as well as a host of information about the environmentalconditions surrounding these devices owing to the proliferation andintegration of sensors within many types of devices. As such data isgenerated round the clock, there is the ever increasing need to analyzeit in a timely and meaningful way such that unfavorable conditions maybe rectified or disaster avoided. However, as discussed below, there aremany pitfalls that need to be avoided in the quest to monitor andmanipulate conditions within these smart physical spaces.

As sensors gather data from all corners of a physical building,including rooms associated with private persons or groups of people, thedata gathered may be sensitive image data or data from smart phones ortablets capable of identifying individuals and the activities they areengaged in. The gathering and processing of such data gives rise toissues of data privacy, which may become central to the properfunctioning of a system for monitoring physical spaces. How such dataneeds to be anonymized and/or aggregated, who gets to view the raw oranalyzed data, how the data is presented to avoid identifying particularindividuals, how the data is securely transmitted from its source (e.g.sensors that gather the raw data) to its destination (e.g. a cloud-basedserver or an app on an individual's smart phone) needs to be carefullyconsidered and implemented. Existing systems for monitoring space andresource usage have not developed comprehensive strategies to addresssuch issues.

Additionally, space and resource usage data gathered from physicalspaces needs to be accurately time-stamped, gathered with sufficientgranularity, and processed in a timely manner in order to provideinsights that may result in energy or other usage efficiencies. Forexample, occupancy data that isn't appropriately time-stamped may notprovide accurate information regarding when spaces such as meeting roomsor corridors are heavily used. And delays in providing this data to anappropriate cloud server for analysis may, for example, lead to thefailure to timely schedule maintenance in high traffic areas orpositively affect the scheduling of such spaces in the near future (e.g.by suggesting alternative corridors to direct flow of traffic). Again,existing systems for monitoring space and resource usage have notdeveloped comprehensive strategies to address such issues.

In order to adequately manage the energy and/or space usage at a largesite, such as a building that serves as the headquarters of a largecorporation, a large number (and variety) of sensor devices wouldtypically be required to perform the basic data generation. Moreover,such facilities typically have a wide variety of appliances (e.g.printers, scanners, lighting devices), and monitoring their usage wouldalso provide useful information regarding energy efficiency. While thesedevices may all be able to connect to a network such as a local areanetwork, the data they generate will likely be in a variety of formats.Accordingly, any system that is to use the information generated by allthe devices present needs to be able to convert between the formats ofdata coming from these devices to one or more common formats that can beunderstood and processed by various data processing applications used bythe system. At the same time, such building-wide systems need to make iteasy for a variety of devices to interface with each other and with thesystem (e.g. by exposing APIs that makes it easy to add support for newcommunications protocols or new types of devices). And even as suchbuilding or site-wide systems for monitoring spaces and resources growin their functional complexity, installing and upgrading individualcomponents within such systems need to be relatively seamless, withoutthe need for the involvement of highly skilled installers every step ofthe way.

Moreover such systems need to have the capability to incorporate newdevices without overwhelming any portion of the system. In other words,such systems need to be scalable in that they should be able tocomfortably accommodate a growing number of devices and users, andconsequently a growing amount of data generated, from a networkbandwidth, installation efficiency, and data analysis standpoint. Andlastly such complex systems need to be able to manage errors withoutsignificant data loss. In other words, they need to anticipate andminimize loss of data when hardware or software fails.

No existing system for monitoring and controlling physical environmentsprovides solutions to at least the aforementioned challenges. Thesystems, methods and apparatuses presented below provide solutionsdesigned to address these and other challenges.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments are directed herein to systems and methods forcloud-based monitoring and control of physical environments, in order toaddress the problems set forth in the previous section. This sectionpresents a simplified summary of some of these methods and systems inorder to provide a basic understanding of various system components, theinteraction between such components, and the various steps involved invarious embodiments. This summary is not intended as an exhaustiveoverview of all inventive embodiments. The system components and methodsteps described in this section are not necessarily critical componentsor steps. The purpose of this summary section is to present an overviewof various concepts in a more simplified form, as an introduction to thedetailed description that follows.

Various embodiments disclose a computing cloud for monitoring andcontrolling physical environments. The computing comprises one or moredata storage units configured to store at least one of project data,diagnostic data and environmental metric data. In many aspects, thecomputing cloud also comprises a system project application moduleconfigured to allow a user to graphically explore at least project datacomprising at least one project hierarchy, and to control graphicalaccess to one or more application modules based on at least the user'scredentials. The application modules comprise, in various aspects one ormore of: a system intake application module configured to graphicallyfacilitate the user's creation and manipulation of a virtual model of abuilding associated with the at least one project hierarchy; a systemmap application module configured to enable the user to commission,localize and/or deploy one or more system devices; and a system energyapplication module configured to graphically depict data produced by adata analytics module, the analysis being conducted using at least oneof the diagnostic data and the environmental metric data.

According to various aspects, the computing cloud further comprises auser management application module configured to create user accountsfor at least the user, and to assign one or more credentials to the useraccounts, the credentials comprising at least a role and logininformation. In some aspects, the computing cloud also comprises asystem login application module configured to receive the credentialsassociated with a user account, and based on the credentials, controlaccess to the system project application module. In some other aspects,the computing cloud also comprises a system operations applicationmodule configured to remotely manage indications of system errors, thesystem errors comprising one or more of: errors in system deviceoperation, errors in environmental metric data collection or analysis,and errors in commissioning, localization or deployment.

According to various embodiments, the commissioning comprisesassociating, via a gateway and a building server, a system device'sunique identification information with its location on a virtual modelof a physical space, the physical space comprising the floor of abuilding. In some embodiments, localization comprises adding the systemdevice, based on its unique identification information comprising aphysical device ID, to a set of devices being managed by the computingcloud, and associating the physical device ID of the system device witha virtual device ID associated with a virtual representation of thesystem device in a memory. In some other embodiments deploymentcomprises applying configuration data to system devices, theconfiguration data being used to prescribe the behavior of the systemdevices in response to events comprising changes in ambient lighting,changes in occupancy, or passage of time. In various aspects, allowing auser to graphically explore at least project data comprises: restrictingthe user's access to one or more parts of a project hierarchy associatedwith the project data, the restricting being based on the system projectapplication module interacting with a system users application module.And the system users application module is configured to manage a user'saccess rights to project data based at least on the user's credentials.

In some embodiments, the manipulation of the virtual model comprises oneor more of: graphically associating floorplan data with a physical orvirtual floor, graphically associating one or more regions within aphysical or virtual floor with one or more types of functional spaces,graphically depicting system devices at one or more locations of afloor, and associating configuration data with one or more regions of afloor or one or more system devices. In such embodiments and some otherembodiments, the login information of a user account comprises ausername and a password, the system project application module allowsthe user to graphically explore at least project data based at least onthe user's credentials, and the system project application modulecontrolling graphical access to one or more application modules is basedat least on the user's role.

In various aspects, the system project application module allows theuser to to graphically explore at least project data comprising at leastone project hierarchy in a hierarchical manner. In such embodiments, theexploration begins at a high level in the project hierarchy comprisingone or more sites, and proceeds, based on the user's credentials, tolower levels in the hierarchy comprising one or more buildings within asite, one or more floors within a building, and one or more areas withina floor.

In some aspects, the environmental metric data comprises data indicatingusage of one or more system devices, the system devices comprisinggateways, sensic devices, and building servers, and the diagnostic datacomprises data indicative of the functioning of one or more systemdevices. In such or other aspects, the at least one project hierarchy isassociated with at least one site, the at least one site is associatedwith at least one building, the at least one building is associated atleast one floor, the at least one floor is associated with at least onesystem device. In various embodiments, a building being monitored orcontrolled by the computing cloud comprises any natural or constructedphysical structure, and the role is task-based and comprises the rolesof: operational personnel, intake engineer, installer, commissioner,facilities personnel, finance personnel, sustainability personnel, andend user.

Other embodiments may include a non-transitory computer readable storagemedium storing instructions executable by a processor to perform amethod such as one or more of the methods described herein. Yet otherembodiments may include a system including a memory and one or moreprocessors operable to execute instructions, stored in the memory, toperform a method such as one or more of the methods described herein.

As used herein for purposes of the present disclosure, the term “LED”should be understood to include any electroluminescent diode or othertype of carrier injection/junction-based system that is capable ofgenerating radiation in response to an electric signal and/or acting asa photodiode. Thus, the term LED includes, but is not limited to,various semiconductor-based structures that emit light in response tocurrent, light emitting polymers, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs),electroluminescent strips, and the like. In particular, the term LEDrefers to light emitting diodes of all types (including semi-conductorand organic light emitting diodes) that may be configured to generateradiation in one or more of the infrared spectrum, ultraviolet spectrum,and various portions of the visible spectrum (generally includingradiation wavelengths from approximately 400 nanometers to approximately700 nanometers). Some examples of LEDs include, but are not limited to,various types of infrared LEDs, ultraviolet LEDs, red LEDs, blue LEDs,green LEDs, yellow LEDs, amber LEDs, orange LEDs, and white LEDs(discussed further below). It also should be appreciated that LEDs maybe configured and/or controlled to generate radiation having variousbandwidths (e.g., full widths at half maximum, or FWHM) for a givenspectrum (e.g., narrow bandwidth, broad bandwidth), and a variety ofdominant wavelengths within a given general color categorization.

For example, one implementation of an LED configured to generateessentially white light (e.g., a white LED) may include a number of dieswhich respectively emit different spectra of electroluminescence that,in combination, mix to form essentially white light. In anotherimplementation, a white light LED may be associated with a phosphormaterial that converts electroluminescence having a first spectrum to adifferent second spectrum. In one example of this implementation,electroluminescence having a relatively short wavelength and narrowbandwidth spectrum “pumps” the phosphor material, which in turn radiateslonger wavelength radiation having a somewhat broader spectrum.

It should also be understood that the term LED does not limit thephysical and/or electrical package type of an LED. For example, asdiscussed above, an LED may refer to a single light emitting devicehaving multiple dies that are configured to respectively emit differentspectra of radiation (e.g., that may or may not be individuallycontrollable). Also, an LED may be associated with a phosphor that isconsidered as an integral part of the LED (e.g., some types of whiteLEDs). In general, the term LED may refer to packaged LEDs, non-packagedLEDs, surface mount LEDs, chip-on-board LEDs, T-package mount LEDs,radial package LEDs, power package LEDs, LEDs including some type ofencasement and/or optical element (e.g., a diffusing lens), etc.

The term “light source” should be understood to refer to any one or moreof a variety of radiation sources, including, but not limited to,LED-based sources (including one or more LEDs as defined above). A givenlight source may be configured to generate electromagnetic radiationwithin the visible spectrum, outside the visible spectrum, or acombination of both. Hence, the terms “light” and “radiation” are usedinterchangeably herein. Additionally, a light source may include as anintegral component one or more filters (e.g., color filters), lenses, orother optical components. Also, it should be understood that lightsources may be configured for a variety of applications, including, butnot limited to, indication, display, and/or illumination. An“illumination source” is a light source that is particularly configuredto generate radiation having a sufficient intensity to effectivelyilluminate an interior or exterior space. In this context, “sufficientintensity” refers to sufficient radiant power in the visible spectrumgenerated in the space or environment (the unit “lumens” often isemployed to represent the total light output from a light source in alldirections, in terms of radiant power or “luminous flux”) to provideambient illumination (i.e., light that may be perceived indirectly andthat may be, for example, reflected off of one or more of a variety ofintervening surfaces before being perceived in whole or in part).

The term “spectrum” should be understood to refer to any one or morefrequencies (or wavelengths) of radiation produced by one or more lightsources. Accordingly, the term “spectrum” refers to frequencies (orwavelengths) not only in the visible range, but also frequencies (orwavelengths) in the infrared, ultraviolet, and other areas of theoverall electromagnetic spectrum. Also, a given spectrum may have arelatively narrow bandwidth (e.g., a FWHM having essentially fewfrequency or wavelength components) or a relatively wide bandwidth(several frequency or wavelength components having various relativestrengths). It should also be appreciated that a given spectrum may bethe result of a mixing of two or more other spectra (e.g., mixingradiation respectively emitted from multiple light sources).

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “color” is usedinterchangeably with the term “spectrum.” However, the term “color”generally is used to refer primarily to a property of radiation that isperceivable by an observer (although this usage is not intended to limitthe scope of this term). Accordingly, the terms “different colors”implicitly refer to multiple spectra having different wavelengthcomponents and/or bandwidths. It also should be appreciated that theterm “color” may be used in connection with both white and non-whitelight.

The terms “lighting fixture” and “luminaire” are used interchangeablyherein to refer to an implementation or arrangement of one or morelighting units in a particular form factor, assembly, or package. Theterm “lighting unit” is used herein to refer to an apparatus includingone or more light sources of same or different types. A given lightingunit may have any one of a variety of mounting arrangements for thelight source(s), enclosure/housing arrangements and shapes, and/orelectrical and mechanical connection configurations. Additionally, agiven lighting unit optionally may be associated with (e.g., include, becoupled to and/or packaged together with) various other components(e.g., control circuitry) relating to the operation of the lightsource(s). An “LED-based lighting unit” refers to a lighting unit thatincludes one or more LED-based light sources as discussed above, aloneor in combination with other non LED-based light sources. A“multi-channel” lighting unit refers to an LED-based or non LED-basedlighting unit that includes at least two light sources configured torespectively generate different spectrums of radiation, wherein eachdifferent source spectrum may be referred to as a “channel” of themulti-channel lighting unit.

The term “controller” is used herein generally to describe variousapparatus relating to the operation of one or more light sources. Acontroller can be implemented in numerous ways (e.g., such as withdedicated hardware) to perform various functions discussed herein. A“processor” is one example of a controller which employs one or moremicroprocessors that may be programmed using software (e.g., microcode)to perform various functions discussed herein. A controller may beimplemented with or without employing a processor, and also may beimplemented as a combination of dedicated hardware to perform somefunctions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessorsand associated circuitry) to perform other functions. Examples ofcontroller components that may be employed in various embodiments of thepresent disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventionalmicroprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), andfield-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

In various implementations, a processor or controller may be associatedwith one or more storage media (generically referred to herein as“memory,” e.g., volatile and non-volatile computer memory such as RAM,PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, floppy disks, compact disks, optical disks,magnetic tape, etc.). In some implementations, the storage media may beencoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or moreprocessors and/or controllers, perform at least some of the functionsdiscussed herein. Various storage media may be fixed within a processoror controller or may be transportable, such that the one or moreprograms stored thereon can be loaded into a processor or controller soas to implement various aspects of the present invention discussedherein. The terms “program” or “computer program” are used herein in ageneric sense to refer to any type of computer code (e.g., software ormicrocode) that can be employed to program one or more processors orcontrollers.

In one network implementation, one or more devices coupled to a networkmay serve as a controller for one or more other devices coupled to thenetwork (e.g., in a master/slave relationship). In anotherimplementation, a networked environment may include one or morededicated controllers that are configured to control one or more of thedevices coupled to the network. Generally, multiple devices coupled tothe network each may have access to data that is present on thecommunications medium or media; however, a given device may be“addressable” in that it is configured to selectively exchange data with(i.e., receive data from and/or transmit data to) the network, based,for example, on one or more particular identifiers (e.g., “addresses”)assigned to it.

The term “network” as used herein refers to any interconnection of twoor more devices (including controllers or processors) that facilitatesthe transport of information (e.g. for device control, data storage,data exchange, etc.) between any two or more devices and/or amongmultiple devices coupled to the network. As should be readilyappreciated, various implementations of networks suitable forinterconnecting multiple devices may include any of a variety of networktopologies and employ any of a variety of communication protocols.Additionally, in various networks according to the present disclosure,any one connection between two devices may represent a dedicatedconnection between the two systems, or alternatively a non-dedicatedconnection. In addition to carrying information intended for the twodevices, such a non-dedicated connection may carry information notnecessarily intended for either of the two devices (e.g., an opennetwork connection). Furthermore, it should be readily appreciated thatvarious networks of devices as discussed herein may employ one or morewireless, wire/cable, and/or fiber optic links to facilitate informationtransport throughout the network. As used herein, the phrasecommunicatively coupled refers to two devices or other entities that areable to communicate with each other, either directly or indirectly, viaintermediary entities (e.g. other devices or a network). To becommunicatively coupled, the two or more devices do not need to have adedicated connection. They should simply be able to send and/or receivedata from each other as necessary.

The term “user” as user herein refers to any entity, human orartificial, that interacts with systems and methods described herein.For example, the term includes, without limitation, occupants of a spacesuch as an office worker or visitor, remote users of a space, a facilitymanager, a commissioning engineer, a building IT manager, a serviceengineer, and an installer.

The term “module” or “application module” is used frequently to describecomponents herein. These terms are directed to software or firmwarecomponents, or a combination thereof A single software/firmware modulemay be composed of one or more modules. A wholly software module may beexecuted on one or more processors that each reside on one or moredevices. One or more components of the same module (e.g. a frontend) maybe executed on or otherwise displayed on one device, which may be remotefrom another device executing or displaying other components of the samemodule. A single software module may contain one or more routines orfunctions. A software module may expose API usable by other modules. Theterms are used to depict both computer code that is not being executedand executing code (e.g. a “runtime” module).

The term “System device” is used throughout this specification. Invarious instances, it may mean devices such as a Gateway (wireless orotherwise) or a Building Server. It also applies to other devices usedin physical environments such as sensors, lighting devices (e.g.luminaires, individual light sources), HVAC devices (e.g. heatingdevices, humidifiers, air conditioners), appliances (e.g. smart boards,fridges, cleaning appliances, dish washers, clothes washers/dryers,televisions), computing/communication devices (e.g. routers, smartphones, tablet computers), and various other sensic or lumic devices.

In many of the Figures described in this specification, labeled arrowsare used to depict communications between modules (e.g. module—modulecommunication), devices (e.g. device—device communication), or somecombination thereof (e.g. device—module communication). Themodule—module communication may be, for example, between a systemapplication module in the cloud and a module in a building server or amodule in a building server and another in a wireless gateway. Dependingupon the type of communication the arrow represents, the communicationmay involve function calls or other inter-process communicationmechanisms. Such communications may be conducted directly by one moduleor device issuing a command or other signal to invoke an action orresponse from a module or device directly (e.g. by invoking API for amodule that results in causing the module to perform an act, such asupdating a database). Such communications may also be conductedindirectly or asynchronously, such as one module updating a queue orother memory, which another module accesses at some later point in time,resulting in action by the second module using the updated information.Various communication protocols (e.g. HTTPS and MQTT) may be used tocommunicate or exchange information between various modules and devices.For example, HTTPS is sometimes referred to as the communicationprotocol between, for example, a module in the Building Server andanother module in the Gateway, or a Building Server and a Cloud.However, the use of HTTP and MQTT for purposes of illustrating theexchange of data should not be considered limiting, and othercommunication protocols and techniques may be applied as well.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing conceptsand additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided suchconcepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being partof the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, allcombinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of thisdisclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subjectmatter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminologyexplicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosureincorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistentwith the particular concepts disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the sameparts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed uponillustrating the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a system forcloud-based monitoring and control of physical environments, theembodiment comprising several cloud-based modules and several modulesand devices located within the environment being monitored.

FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary data flow from various sources into a dataplatform that manages the flow of information associated with amonitored space.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a data storage and manipulationsystem utilized by an embodiment of a system for cloud-based monitoringand control of physical environments.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a method for commissioning devicesfor use within an embodiment of a system for the cloud-based monitoringand control of physical environments.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate various embodiments of devicelocalization in a system for the cloud-based monitoring and control ofphysical environments.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the interaction of the variouslighting applications that may be utilized by an exemplary cloud-basedsystem for monitoring and controlling physical environments.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C illustrate block diagrams of embodiments ofparticular deployments of the exemplary cloud-based system formonitoring and controlling physical environments.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an embodiment of a method of registering andconnecting a Building Server with the exemplary cloud-based system formonitoring and controlling physical environments.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a method of updating the software orfirmware of a System device such as a Sensic device in the exemplarycloud-based system for monitoring and controlling physical environments.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate embodiments of a method of localizing aBuilding Server at an exemplary cloud-based system for monitoring andcontrolling physical environments.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a method of localizing a Gatewaydevice at an exemplary cloud-based system for monitoring and controllingphysical environments.

FIGS. 12A, 12B-I, 12B-II illustrate embodiments of a method oflocalizing a System Device such as a Sensic Device at an exemplarycloud-based system for monitoring and controlling physical environments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made in detail to illustrative embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings.

In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation andnot limitation, representative embodiments disclosing specific detailsare set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of thepresent teachings. However, it will be apparent to one having ordinaryskill in the art having had the benefit of the present disclosure thatother embodiments according to the present teachings that depart fromthe specific details disclosed herein remain within the scope of theappended claims. Moreover, descriptions of well-known systems,apparatuses and methods may be omitted so as to not obscure thedescription of the representative embodiments. Such systems, methods andapparatuses are clearly within the scope of the present teachings.

Embodiments Illustrating Features of the Overall System Architecture

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100A for cloud-based monitoring and controlof a physical environment. The system includes a Building Server 100,Gateways 110A and 110B, System devices 101 through 106, a Computingcloud 115, System Energy Application Module 120, System IntakeApplication Module 130, System Project Application Module 140, UserManagement Application Module 150, System Map Application Module 160, aProjects Database 170A, a Data Database 170B, a Data Platform Module180, and a Cloud Connectivity Module 190. Other embodiments of system100A may include additional or fewer Building Servers, Gateways, Systemdevices, Clouds, Database Modules, Cloud Connectivity Modules, and DataPlatforms. Various components of system 100A are communicatively linkedusing the linkage lines depicted in FIG. 1. However, the lack of alinkage line between two blocks or modules in the figure does notnecessarily indicate the lack of communication capability between theblocks or modules. The term “physical structure” or “physicalenvironment” as used herein refers to any building structure, whether ornot freestanding, permanent, enclosed, or covered. This term includesfor example, office, residential, recreational, educational,governmental, and commercial buildings and complexes, as well as parkinglots and garages. The term “link” as used herein refers to anyconnection or component, whether physical or virtual, that enables thecommunication of information between at least two devices or systemcomponents. For example, a link includes a wired or wirelesscommunications connection, a radio frequency communications connection,and an optical communications connection. A link may also indicate ashared communication protocol, software or hardware interface, or remotemethod invocation or procedure calls.

Cloud 115 is a typical cloud used for cloud computing. It providesshared data and processing resources to various devices that have accessto it. It enables on demand access to a shared pool of computingresources such as networks, servers, storage, applications and services.Cloud 115 supports various cloud-based applications for System 100A,including System Energy Application Module 120, System IntakeApplication Module 130, System Project Application Module 140, UserManagement Application Module 150, System Map Application Module 160.These applications and the cloud infrastructure provide two key aspectsof System 100A. First, an Installer who is responsible for installing asystem like System 100A in a particular building or group of buildingsdoes not need specialized training. Second, the desired behavior ofsystem devices and resources in the physical environment being monitoredand controlled is stored in the cloud itself, and is therefore easilyconfigurable and downloadable.

System Energy Application Module 120 is a cloud-based softwareapplication that may be used by lay end users of System 100A or byspecial Expert users of System 100A (e.g. facilities managers) to reviewreports or perform various tasks related to energy management. Forexample, a facilities manager may wish to check the average dailyconsumption in a particular week in order to determine whether aparticular Monday had significantly higher energy consumption ascompared to the average Monday, or to review data on the monthly energyconsumption in the past year in order to determine seasonal changes inenergy usage. System Energy Application Module 120 is therefore capableof presenting user interfaces to its users for the purpose of gatheringinformation on what types of information the user would like to seepresented, as well as for the purpose of presenting the necessaryinformation in graphical (e.g. bar graphs, heat maps) or raw form, whichmay be interactive in nature. It may perform analysis using energyconsumption data stored in the Data database 170B, either by itself orby using analytics modules within or external to Cloud 115. SystemEnergy Application Module 120 is discussed in more detail in thedescription associated with FIG. 6.

System Intake Application Module 130 is a cloud-based softwareapplication that may be used by an intake engineer (hereinafter“Intaker”) or other expert user of System 100A, to determine and/orestablish lighting and/or other energy needs for one or more physicalstructures managed by System 100A. Using at least the user interfacesprovided System Intake Application Module 130, the Intaker may selectone or more buildings from a Map view presented by Application Module130. The Intake may further use Application Module 130 to load anexisting floor plan for a particular floor of a selected building, andproceed to establish special areas (e.g. open plan office space, meetingrooms) and system devices (e.g. light sources, light source grids,gateways, switches) for use in these spaces, as well as provide variousannotations associated with the spaces and devices (e.g. notes,photographs, voice recordings). System Intake Application Module 130also allows the Intaker to check the intake process to make sure, forexample, that luminaires/light sources are properly allocated todesignated areas, as well as properly allocated to respective gateways.This information from System Intake Application Module 130 maythereafter be used to populate the Projects Database 170A. System IntakeApplication Module 130 is discussed in more detail in the descriptionassociated with FIG. 6.

System Project Application Module 140 is a cloud-based softwareapplication that may be used by Intakers, Experts, Installers,Administrators, and End Users associated with System 100A, to create andview Project hierarchies stored in Projects Database 170A. ApplicationModule 140 also dispatches created and updated projects to otherapplication modules such as the System Map Application Module 160,System Energy Application Module 120 or System Intake Application Module130. A Project hierarchy may be created, for example, by having a userwith appropriate privileges, such as an Administrator, specify an entityassociated with the project (e.g. an organization such as aCorporation). Thereafter, the Administrator might add physical sitesassociated with the entity (e.g. the physical site in Amsterdam). Foreach physical site or location, the Administrator might thereafter addone or more buildings, and their associated addresses and otheridentifying details. For each building, the Administrator may alsospecify energy settings information such as total installed power,standby total power, whether or not the energy baseline is dynamic, andthe like. Details such as working hours and working days associated witheach building or physical site may also be specified. System ProjectApplication Module 140 is discussed in more detail in the descriptionassociated with FIG. 6.

User Management Application Module 150 is a cloud-based softwareapplication for managing users related to System 100A. Users may beallowed varying levels of access privileges to System 100A depending ontheir designation (e.g. Installer, Administrator, Project Manager,Expert, Intaker, or End User). Other designations are also possible tospecify. Users may be associated with particular buildings or withentire projects. User Management Application Module 150 may provide avariety of user interfaces that allows a credentialed individual orentity to access the Projects Database 170A, and create, update anddelete users associated with a Project hierarchy or users associatedwith particular buildings/sites within a particular Project hierarchy.For example, an Administrator with privileges to manage users associatedwith the Project hierarchy of Corporation A may add a user with a roleof Installer with a particular name, address, age and other particulars,and assign appropriate access privileges that allows this user toutilize System Intake Application Module 130 and System ProjectApplication Module 140 to perform an installation of devices such asluminaires, switches and gateways to buildings at various sitesassociated with Corporation A's Project hierarchy. User ManagementApplication Module 150 is discussed in more detail in the descriptionassociated with FIG. 6.

System Map Application Module 160 is a cloud-based software applicationthat may be used by users who are Installers to register, localize, aswell as deploy configuration information to various system devices (e.g.luminaires, sensors, switches, gateways) associated with a projecthierarchy. It may present localization information associated with thesedevices, map views of various floors of buildings, and the locations ofassociated system devices on the floor plans of each floor. It may allowInstallers to graphically add, remove, or relocate system devices oninteractive maps/floor plans, and depict other configuration informationassociated with these devices on the same. In order to facilitateinstallation, the Application Module 160 may render its front end onmobile devices such as smart phones or tablet computers that Installersmay use while at an install site. System Map Application Module 160 isdiscussed in more detail in the description associated with FIG. 6.

Building Server 100 is a system device that acts as a data gatewaybetween a physical building and a cloud, such as Cloud 115. Among itsmany tasks, it routes configuration data from the cloud to the systemdevices in the building, routes energy consumption data from the devicesto the cloud, buffers energy consumption data to anticipate temporaryconnectivity loss with the cloud, and routes environmental metric dataand diagnostic data from the building to the cloud, the environmentalmetric data including, for example, building occupancy data and thediagnostic data including, for example, sensic diagnostic data. BuildingServer 100 may also perform various system management tasks. Forexample, it may provide time synchronization to gateways, managesoftware/firmware upgrade processes (e.g. handling software/firmwareupdate triggers coming from Cloud 115, and storing software/firmwareimages for gateways and sensics), and implement building-wide functions(e.g. schedulers, ADR). Building Server 100 may use the followingexternal interfaces: MQTT, to get configuration data of system devicesfrom Cloud 115, to push discovery messages to Cloud 115, and to notifythe various gateways about software/firmware updates. Building Server100 may also use HTTPS to register devices in Cloud 115, to provideenergy usage and other environmental metric data to Cloud 115, and toserve software/firmware updates to the gateways and other systemdevices. Building Server 100 may also employ the ZeroC (ICE)inter-process communication framework to exchange data between MQTT andthe network provider (e.g. low-level Dynalite protocol), to exchangesecurity data between applications.

Gateway 110A or 110B may be implemented in hardware, any combination ofhardware and computer code (e.g. software or microcode), or entirely incomputer code. This module may be executed on one or multipleprocessors. In some embodiments, a hardware implementation of gateway110A or 110B may involve an STM32 chip. Gateway 110A or 110B may beassociated with a particular floor of a physical structure, and may sendand/or receive data from multiple system devices such as luminaireslocated on that floor. In some embodiments, Gateway 110A or 110B maysend and/or receive data from a large number (e.g. 1000) system devicessuch as luminaires, sensors and HVAC devices.

Gateway 110A or 110B may be configured to provide a variety offunctions. For example, it may provide a gateway between an interface(e.g. EnvisionlP) for use in commissioning luminaires and another (e.g.the RS-485 standard), as well as provide services for translatingbetween various application and network protocols. In many embodiments,it may also facilitate the routing of data between multiple gatewayswithin system 100A, and participate in system diagnostics and/orhardware roll calls during which the gateway 110A or 110B may determinewhether or not devices under its control are still online. Gateway 110Aor 110B may also be responsible for caching and/or reporting offlinedevices, for local scheduling tasks and the management of monitoring anddiagnostic data. For example, Gateway 110A or 110B may monitor one ormore areas within a physical structure for energy consumption andoccupancy, and diagnose and report system health information on the arealevel. It may also store area monitoring information.

In some embodiments, Gateway 110A or 110B monitors all DyNet andEnvisionIP traffic in a part of the system. It may store and/or cachethis information, and forward this information to other system modulesso that system 100A has an accurate overview of the state of all thecommissioned system devices at any given time. In many embodiments,multiple gateway modules such as Gateway 110A and 110B may becommunicatively linked with a single Building Server 100, where eachgateway acts as a floor controller for a particular floor of a building.Functionally, a Gateway 110A or 110B may be broken down into thefollowing functional components: a FW update component, an NTP clientcomponent, a WG diagnostics component, a Discovery and Registrationcomponent, and a ZigBee clock synchronization server component. The FWupdate module, like the similarly named module of the Building Server isprimarily responsible for coordinating the firmware and software updatesfor itself and for sensic devices. This process is described in furtherdetail in the context of the FIG. 9. The NTP client component is similarto the similarly named module in the Building Server, in that itparticipates in pushing time data (e.g. for time stamping environmentalmetric data) to the sensic devices. The ZigBee Clock Sync Server modulealso participates in time synchronization, and the related time stampingand time synchronization processes are explained in more detail in thedescription accompanying FIGS. 7A-C. The WG diagnostics component isprimarily responsible for reporting error or otherwise abnormalconditions or states encountered during the routine operation of agateway. These error conditions or states are thereafter reported up tothe Cloud (e.g. Cloud 115) via the Building Server for further analysis.Lastly, the Discovery and Registration component is primarilyresponsible for enabling the gateway to register itself with theBuilding Server and/or the Cloud.

Devices 101-106 are system devices such as third party ZigBee devices,ZigBee green power switches and battery powered sensors. They alsoinclude Lumic and Sensic devices, which can communicate with bothgateways like Gateway 110A or 110B, as well as luminaire drivers andluminaires themselves. Sensics and Lumics may be implemented insoftware, hardware, or firmware, and contain modules for occupancy ordaylight control of luminaires/device drivers, actuators for controllingluminaires/device drivers, sensor(s) to sense ambient lighting or otherenvironmental conditions, a clock synchronization module, a mechanismfor keeping track of what, if any templates have been deployed to theirrespective luminaire/device drivers, as well as a mechanism forpreparing a report on the behavior of their respective luminaire/devicedrivers.

The Sensic luminaire is an example of a Sensic/Lumic device. It istypically associated with a sensor, a light source, and a controlmodule. In some embodiments, the sensor and light source are locatedwithin the same device or housing. In some embodiments, the controlmodule comprises computer code (e.g. software or microcode) executing onone or more processors housed within the same device or housing thesensor and/or light source. The light source may be capable ofperforming one or more light actuating functions, such as turningon/off, dimming, and tunable white light or colored light production.The sensor is a sensor capable of sensing, for example, one or more ofdaylight, occupancy, IR, carbon dioxide, humidity and temperature. Thecontrol module provides one or more control functions for controllingthe behavior of other modules and devices, such as one or more lightsources, sensors, gateways, and other IP luminaires. Additionally, an IPluminaire may provide one or more external interfaces for communicatingwith other modules of system 100A.

Projects 170A is a database that stores and makes accessible datarelated to the created project hierarchies associated with a System100A. This database is accessible via Cloud 115 to external entitiessuch as the Building Server 100 and to cloud-based application modulessuch as System Intake Application Module 130, System Project ApplicationModule 140 and System Map Application Module 160. Data 170B is adatabase that stores and makes accessible data related to energy usagethat is gathered by the various sensic devices, as well asaggregated/analytic data related to space and resource usage. Analyticsdata may also be stored in other data repositories accessible to Data170B, or prepared on the fly with data extracted from the Data 170B.Data Platform Module 180 is a data acquisition, management and storagemechanism that provides to industrial-grade big-data lighting or energyinfrastructures, the software and hardware structures and services toefficiently manage and efficiently retrieve data of various formats fromdiverse sources. Its various features are discussed in more detail inFIGS. 2 and 3.

Cloud Connectivity Service Module 190 allows connectivity betweenapplications in the cloud and data resources accessible to the cloud(e.g. System Energy Application Module 120, the Projects database 170A,and Data Platform Module 180) and the Building Server 100. In variousembodiments, it uses the MQTT protocol to move device configuration andcontrol back and forth between Cloud 115 and the Building Server 100.Device registration, and firmware or software update data for theBuilding Server 100, Gateways 110A and 110B, and sensic devices, as wellas building/energy usage metrics are transferred between Cloud 115 andBuilding Server 100 using the HTTPs protocol.

What follows is a brief description of an exemplary use of System 100A.At a high level, an Installer (e.g. a user assigned the role of anInstaller) while in a physical building, installs the Building Server100 first, using, for example, the System Intake Application Module 130,whose front end is being rendered on their mobile device. Thereafter,the Building Server 100 accesses a registration service in Cloud 115 toregister itself. The Registration process is described in more detail inthe description associated with FIGS. 8A and 8B. Essentially, theregistration process involves a simple bootstrapping process thatensures connectivity between Building Server 100 and Cloud 115 for datareporting purposes. After the Installer has successfully installed theBuilding Server 100, the installer installs the Gateways (e.g. 110A and110B) and connects them to the IP backbone of the Building. When theGateways are powered on, they are able to automatically “discover” theBuilding Server 100. The Gateways will thereafter use the BuildingServer 100 to register themselves with Cloud 115. Details of how this isdone will be discussed in connection with other figures in thisapplication. After successful installation, an associated projecthierarchy in the cloud (e.g. stored in the Projects 170A database) willhave all the necessary data for operation of System 100A. The ZigBee®protocol is the most common protocol for communicating environmentalmetric data as well as firmware/software update data between theSystem/Sensic devices and the Gateways. The Gateways and the BuildingServer also use other communication protocols (e.g. TLS and HTTPs) tocommunicate firmware/software update data for the Gateways and theSensic devices, as well as to communicate environmental metric data suchas device/energy usage metrics.

Next, the Installer goes into the Building with a cloud-basedapplication such as System Map Application Module 160 running on aportable device such as a tablet computer. The Installer scans the QRcode of the Building Server 100. The QR code contains a uniqueidentifier associated with the Building Server 100. Application Module160 is able to retrieve project hierarchy data associated with theBuilding Server 100 from the Projects 170A database, localize theBuilding Server 100 based on the Installer's selection of the BuildingServer's location on a floor plan depicted on Application Module 160,and update the Projects 170A database as necessary with additionalinformation (e.g. localization information) about the Building Server100.

Next, the Installer localizes Sensic devices such as ZigBee luminaires.An application such as System Map Application Module 160 retrievesrelevant project hierarchy data from the Projects 170A database, and theInstaller physically goes to the each luminaire and selects an iconrepresenting the luminaire on the floor plan. Using a device such as anIR remote control, the Installer can then add the device to a personalarea network such as a ZigBee network. The physical luminaire can thenuse the ZigBee network to communicate with an assigned Gateway (e.g.Gateway 110A). Configuration information, such as which Gateway shouldbe responsible for which System device, is stored in the Projects 170Adatabase. Accordingly, when a luminaire is selected, Cloud 115 already“knows” which Gateway connection needs to be opened to formally add thedevice to the Gateway. The Gateway—System device localization is atwo-fold process. Cloud 115 sends, via Building Server 100, a command toa particular Gateway, to add a Device such as a Luminaire to itself. TheDevice or Luminaire itself attempts to join the ZigBee network of theparticular Gateway, and upon successfully joining the network, itannounces itself to the particular Gateway.

Once localization, as briefly described above, has been completed, Cloud115 will deploy configuration data to the various System/Sensic devicesvia the Building Server and Gateways. Configuration data includes, forexample, data that controls behavior of devices such as luminaires. Suchdata includes information on how a device should react to a sensorindicating that an area is now occupied. When configuration deploymentis completed, this fact will be visualized on the System Map ApplicationModule 160. For example, a luminaire that has successfully received itsconfiguration data will be represented by a changed icon. Oncelocalization and configuration data deployment has been completed, theInstaller has the option of verifying whether aspects of thelocalization and deployment were successful. For example, ApplicationModule 160 provides a guided test procedure to test the behavior ofdeployed luminaires. Once any such tests are completed successfully, thebuilding is considered to be commissioned.

Data Acquisition Components and Infrastructure

FIG. 2 depicts a System of information flow (200A) for data acquisitionpurposes, as used in Data Platform Module 180 of System 100A. Thissystem provides a standardization around a finite number of mechanismsto reliably ingest/acquire data from either the internally accessiblelighting infrastructure or other external sources. Examples of externalsources of data are data from social networks such as Twitter® andFacebook®, weather data, security data, and scheduling data such asmeeting room schedules. System 200A is essentially the internal plumbingthat enables data flows to be connected with downstream consumption inboth batch and real or near-real time. Real or near-real time data willenable low-latency real-time application experiences. Data acquisitionin the context of the systems, methods, and apparatus for cloud-basedmonitoring and control of physical environments as described herein isfocused on providing mechanisms or data acquisition services 220A-E tofacilitate the scalable and reliable ingestion of data from diversesources. These mechanisms are HTTP(S) Micro Batch Ingestion (220A),Streaming Data Ingestion (220B), Bulk Data Ingestion (220C), SocialConnector (220D) and Web Content Harvestor (220E).

A library (e.g. SDK) may be used by clients to enable simplifiedinteraction with both the HTTP(S) (220A) and Streaming (220B)interfaces. An example of HTTP(S) Micro Batch Ingestion (220A) is anapplication programming interface (API) that may provide, for example,standard internet facing HTTPS-based data for ingestion into the DataFabric 230. It may use standard HTTP semantics, and is typicallydesigned for small payloads with high horizontal scalabilityrequirements. For example, the HTTP(S) Micro Batch Ingestion API 220Amay be designed to accommodate tens of thousands of requests per second.This API may typically be viewed as a Device-to-Server API. An exampleof Streaming Data Ingestion (220B) is a service or API that is designedfor data acquisition over a persistent or long lived data networkconnection. This type of data ingestion is typically Server-to-Server.An example of Bulk Data Ingestion (220C) is typically an SFTP standardscompliant interface for large binary object ingestion. Examples of largebinary objects include large zip files and long video clips. An exampleof Social Connector (220D) is an API designed to allow services such asSocial Network Data Services 210C to access the Data Fabric 230. Itprimarily allows for the real time ingestion of data from socialnetworks such as Twitter® and Facebook®. Based on predeterminedcriteria, particular types of data of interest from social networks areallowed to be ingested using the 220D API. This information may be, forexample, demographic or user profile information, or locationinformation. And an example of Web Content Harvestor (220E) is a serviceor API for extracting content from internet websites for analyticpurposes. For example, typical energy usage in buildings in a particulararea may be used to benchmark energy usage in a nearby building beingmonitored by a system such as System 100A.

Devices and Clients 200 represents software, firmware and hardwareagents. For example, data may be delivered directly or acquired via abusiness app/service acting as a gateway or proxy. Data from somesources may be routed through Clouds/Servers such as the Cloud-basedApps/Services 210A (e.g. server/app logs) for ingestion into System200A. The proxy approach of the Cloud-based Apps/Services 210A does not,however, preclude the service from consuming data itself and performingsome integral action (e.g. updating a database as a result of an HTTPtransaction). However, in most such cases, the underlying messagecharacteristics derived from the client also reaches the DataAcquisition System 200A to enable downstream analysis and/orconsumption. Other Cloud/Server examples through which data from Devices& Clients (200) may be routed include FTP Server (210B), Social NetworkData Service (210C) and Internet Web Service (210D). Examples of an FTPServer 210B includes any server that uses the FTP network protocol orany derivative or extension thereof (e.g. FTPS, SSH, TFTP or SFTP) totransfer files between a client and server. Examples of a Social NetworkData Service 210C includes data services provided by social networkslike Twitter® or Facebook®. Examples of Internet Web Service 210Dincludes any service offered by an electronic device to anotherelectronic device communicating via the World Wide Web (WWW). InternetWeb Service 210D may use the HTTP protocol for transferring machinereadable file formats such as XML. Internet Web Service 210D is any webservice that provides a web-based interface to one or more databaseservers in order to provide content and/or a user interface to an enduser.

The Data Fabric 230 is a data pipe that lies between the data producerand the data consumer. It comprises a data broker that enables dataproducers to be decoupled from data consumers, and a routing componentthat can control access as well as ensure that the appropriate data setsare delivered to the appropriate data consumers. The routing componentcomprises a horizontally scalable, highly available, highly durablepersistent queue that supports multiple concurrent producers andconsumers. It provides an API/interface for inbound message acceptance,as well as an API/interface for internal consumption. The Data Fabric230 is data-driven in that it can configure a new data set and associatedata sinks as appropriate with new data sets. Accordingly, there shouldtypically be no need to re-deploy data fabric subsystems to manage theconfiguration of data flow within the data fabric itself. The routingcomponent is also responsible for figuring out whether and where to sendeach message (e.g. to which data sink). In effect, it not only routesbut also multiplexes (e.g. it is capable of sending the same message tomultiple destinations as appropriate). The data sinks may be standardoff the shelf data sinks. For example, a data sink may be one that isused to write (collated) messages (sets) to S3 storage. A data sink mayalso be one that enables near real-time consumption of messages bydownstream application processing. As a general principle, all data(irrespective of source) is routed via the Data Fabric. For small data(KBs), data is delivered ‘inline’ within data fabric messages. Forlarger data sets, the data is serialized to external storage and a“pointer” is provided via a data fabric message. This approach may beused to enable near-real-time processing of larger data sets (e.g.binary content such as audio, images and video).

Solely for the purpose of illustration, we now provide an example ofdata flow through the system 200A depicted in FIG. 2. Occupancy sensorsdetermine that an office has become unoccupied and as a result,luminaires lower the light level to a predetermined level. Energy usagemetrics collected over a contiguous period of time during which theoffice was in use is time stamped and sent to an appropriate wirelessgateway (e.g. Gateway 110A of FIG. 1) through, for example, the ZigBee®communication protocol. The wireless gateway thereafter, after acquiringsimilar metrics data from other offices on the same floor of thebuilding, communicates this information, via the HTTPS protocol to theBuilding Server (e.g. Building Server 100 of FIG. 1). The BuildingServer uses the HTTPS protocol to communicate the metric data to acloud-based application 210A. Cloud-based application service 210A maybe required to authenticate the Building Server sending the data to it,and thereafter, depending on the type of data presented to itself,invoke the appropriate function calls to either the HTTPS Micro-BatchIngestion 220A API or Streaming Data Ingestion API 220B. Thereafter, thedata is further processed and cataloged by the Data Fabric 230, andstored in a cloud-accessible database such as the Data database 170Bdepicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the master data storage utilized bythe Data Platform Module 180 of FIG. 1. In general, all data ingestedinto the Data Platform Module 180 may be persisted to the DataPlatform's primary storage, effectively an orchestrated tier on top of acloud storage service such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) Simple StorageService (S3). Many embodiments of the Data Platform Module 180 may relyon such cloud storage services for availability and durability. Inaddition, the platform introduces data organizational constructs tosegregate and organize data into different cloud storage locationsaccording to the type of data being ingested into the platform.

FIG. 3 illustrates how data from various sources (e.g. Data Fabric 310A,Data Access Services 310B, and Data Support Services 310C) are handledby the Master Data Storage and related Services that is an integral partof the Data Platform Module 160. Data Fabric 310A is any type of DataFabric 230 described in the context of FIG. 2. Data Support Services310B is infrastructure that controls access to data stored in Storage340. Its main purpose is to provide access control or authenticationservices in order to determine if the party invoking calls to theStorage API 330 has the necessary privileges/clearance. Storage API 330is able to receive the diversity of data from Data Fabric 310A when theData Fabric 310A invokes its functional interfaces. It may then performvarious actions on the data itself, such as aggregate certain data asnecessary, or anonymize data as necessary, before it is indexed andstored in Durable, Scalable Online Storage 340. The Audit & LoggingModule 320 is primarily responsible for recording or logging calls toStorage API 330. Details about the party initiating the call to the APIas well as results of the Data Access Services 310B authenticating saidparty are also recorded by Module 320. Reads from and writes to theDurable Storage Module 340 may also be recorded by Logging Module 320.

Data Archival Services 350 represents a software or firmware module thatcontains and/or implements policies or rules that govern when data canbe archived (e.g. sent to Long-term High Latency Storage 360) ordeleted, and mechanisms to archive or restore data (e.g. from long termstorage such as Storage 360). In other words, Data Archival Services 350implements a pre-determined life cycle policy for data that is ingestedby the Data Fabric and then stored in the Durable Storage 340. DurableStorage 340 is typically used for organizing and storing a diversevariety of data from a variety of sources (e.g. Hue® data from a home)without intermingling the data. Essentially, Durable Storage 340implements methodologies for separately maintaining the data itself, aswell as meta-data associated with the data. There are many ways toseparate the data, for storage and analysis purposes. For example, a toplevel of a data hierarchy may separate large scale office park projectdata from data coming for the homes of individuals. A second level ofdata hierarchy may be implemented by separating data based on customeridentity or geo-locality. Dataset 1 and Dataset 2 in FIG. 3 representdifferent data sets that are not intermingled and maintained separatelyfor easy accessibility by Durable Storage 340.

Device Commissioning

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a method for commissioning devicesfor use within a system for cloud-based monitoring and control of aphysical environment such as system 100A of FIG. 1. In step 410, anInstaller, such as the Installer described with respect to system 100Aselects a system device (e.g. a luminaire) on a floor plan on acloud-based commissioning application such as System Map ApplicationModule 160 described in relation to system 100A of FIG. 1. The Installeris at this time inside, for example, a building that is to be monitoredby a system 100A. The Application Module 130's user interface may bedisplayed, for example, on a mobile device such as a smart phone ortablet used by the Installer. In step 420, the commissioning applicationrunning on the Installer's mobile device sends the location of theselected system device on the floor plan to a cloud-based commissioningapplication (e.g. the back-end of the cloud-based System IntakeApplication Module 130). In step 430, the cloud-based commissioningapplication saves the floorplan location (e.g. in the projects 170Adatabase associated with a project hierarchy that is linked to thebuilding that the Installer is presently in), and instructs the buildingserver (e.g. Building Server 100 of System 100A) associated with thebuilding in the project hierarchy to open a network (e.g. wirelessnetwork) on the correct gateway associated with the building server. Insuch situations, the building server is able to identify the correctgateway (e.g. Gateway 110A or 110B of System 100A) based on the physicalarea the gateway is in. These areas may surround groups of devices, andalinked to a gateway by the Intaker. In step 440, the building serversends an open network request to the appropriate gateway. In step 450,the gateway responds by opening its network (e.g. a ZigBee® network).Following the successful opening of the gateway's network, in step 460,the Installer uses an IR remote control device to “add” the systemdevice to the gateway's network. The Installer may do this by pointingthe IR remote to the device in question, and then pressing the “Add”button on the IR remote control device. At this point, logic in thesystem device broadcasts to the gateway's open network that the systemdevice (e.g. luminaire) wishes to be added, and the gateway both locallyadds identification information from the system device to its group ofassociated system devices, and sends the system device's identificationinformation to the building server (step 470). In step 480, the buildingserver sends (e.g. via the MQTT or HTTPs protocol) via, for example, theCloud Connectivity Service Module 190 and/or the Data Platform Module180, the system device's identification information to the cloud (e.g.Cloud 115). In step 490, a cloud-based application such as System IntakeApplication Module 130 couples the system device's identificationinformation with the location on the floorplan originally indicated bythe Installer in step 410, and sends the associated application runningon the Installer's mobile device a confirmation message. Theconfirmation message may indicate, for example, that the system devicehas been successfully commissioned.

Device Localization Use Cases

As discussed previously, an Installer, with the help of an applicationsuch as System Map Application Module 160, may localize Building Server100 and Gateway 110A and 110B. This localization may be accomplishedusing QR codes. Other System devices such as luminaires and wallswitches, on the other hand, may be localized by using IR technology orbutton presses, as described in the use cases below.

Typical Use Case

FIG. 5A depicts a localization use case for a System device (e.g. aSensic device such as a ceiling-mounted luminaire). In the stepsdepicted in FIG. 5A, a user (e.g. Installer) taps an icon representing aSystem device on the user interface of a cloud-based application modulesuch as System Map Application Module 160 (Step 510A). In response, thecloud-based Application Module opens the a wireless network (e.g. aZigBee network) of a wireless gateway (e.g. Gateway 110A) associatedwith the System device (Step 520A). The user then sends an infrared (IR)trigger to the System device using, for example, a remote control device(Step 530A). The System device then visually indicates to the user thatthe IR trigger was received (e.g. by blinking a predetermined number oftimes) (Step 540A). The System device joins the wireless network andsends a SignOn message to the cloud-based Application Module (Step550A). The cloud-based Application Module receives the SignOn message,changes the depiction of the icon on the user interface visible to theuser to indicate successful localization (Step 560A). The cloud-basedApplication Module also sends request to the System device to visuallyor otherwise indicate successful localization (Step 570A). For example,if the System device is a luminaire, it might request that the luminairedim light output to 10%. Upon receiving the request, the System devicecomplies to indicate successful localization (Step 580A). The Systemdevice is now considered to be localized. In many embodiments, aftersuccessful localization of a System device, deployment is automaticallystarted. When deployment of System device is completed, itscorresponding icon on the cloud-based Application Module will changeonce again to indicate its “deployed” state in order to provide feedbackto the user. In some embodiments, there will be no further visualconfirmation of deployment to the user once the System device has beensuccessfully deployed.

In some situations, somewhere prior to localization being completed, andafter the System device in question has indicate receipt of the IRtrigger, a second IR trigger is received by the System device. In such asituation, in many embodiments, the System device will send a secondSignOn message to its associated wireless gateway. However, thecloud-based Application Module will, in many embodiments, receive thesecond SignOn message, recognize that the SignOn message is from analready localized or localization-pending System device, and choose tosimply ignore the second SignOn message (e.g. it is assumed to be anerror).

Second SignOn from a Sensic on a Different Location

In the use case depicted in FIG. 5B, a System device is alreadylocalized to a location A (e.g. depicted on System Map ApplicationModule 160 with particular icon), but the user nevertheless wishes tolocalize it to another location B (Step 510B). The user may indicatethis by tapping another icon representing location B in the UI presentedby Application Module 160. In response, the cloud-based ApplicationModule opens the w wireless network (e.g. ZigBee network) of anassociated wireless Gateway (e.g. Gateway 110A) (Step 520B). The userthen sends an infrared trigger with a remote control device to theSystem device (Step 530B), and the System device responds by visuallyindicating to the user that the IR trigger was received (e.g by blinks apredetermined number of times) (Step 540B). Although System device mayhave already joined it's associated wireless Gateway's wireless networkwhen previously localized to location A, the System device still sends aSignOn message to the cloud-based Application Module, indicating a newlocation corresponding to itself (location B) (Step 550B). Thecloud-based Application Module receives the SignOn message with theSystem device's location information corresponding to Location B, eventhough the System device has already been mapped to a locationcorresponding to Location A. Upon receipt of the SignOn message, thecloud-based Application Module will, in various embodiments, prompt theuser that the System device has previously been localized, and inquireif he/she wishes to re-localize (e.g. move) the System device to a newlocation (e.g. Location B) (Step 560B). If the user indicates thathe/she does in fact wish to move the System device, then the Systemdevice will be localized to Location B and a new deployment of theSystem device will commence once any previously commenced deployment ofthe System device has completed (Step 570B). When the deployment of theSystem device is completed, an icon associated with the System device onthe cloud-based Application Module will change to indicate the Systemdevice's new deployed state to the user. In many embodiments, there willbe no visual confirmation from the System device itself to indicate thatits deployment has been completed. If the user indicates that he/shedoes not wish to move (re-localize) the System device, no changes to theSystem device's localization takes place, and it remains localized toLocation A (Step 580B).

Trigger a Sensic when an Already Localized Icon (or Nothing) is Selected

With respect to the scenario depicted in FIG. 5B, we can consider amodification. Consider that there are two System devices (Sensic A andB) that are located proximally to each other. For example, each may be aceiling mounted luminaire. Assume that Sensic B is already localized toa Location B on the cloud-based Application Module (e.g. System MapApplication Module 160). Also assume that in this modified scenario, thewireless network (e.g. ZigBee® network) associated with the Gateway ofSensic B is open. At this point, the user sends an infrared (IR) triggerusing a remote control device to Sensic A, which has not yet beenlocalized. Sensic A indicates receiving the IR trigger (e.g. by blinks 3times). Sensic A also joins the wireless network and sends a SignOnmessage, which is received by the cloud-based Application Module. Atthis point, the cloud-based Application Module has received a SignOnmessage from a Sensic (Sensic A), but no associated Location for SensicA to be localized to. In such a situation, in many embodiments, thecloud-based Application Module may enter a “Blinking Flow” sequence. Insuch a sequence, a list of non-localized Sensics may be presented. Thefirst and only sensic in the present scenario (Sensic A) will receive a“Blink” message from the cloud-based Application Module. In response,the user will need to indicate, on the UI of the Application Module, theicon (and therefore the location) that corresponds to the blinkingSensic A. In response, the Application Module will proceed to localizeSensic A to the indicated location.

Trigger Multiple Sensics when an Unlocalized Icon (or Nothing) isSelected

FIG. 5C depicts a scenario or use case where multiple System devices(e.g. Sensics) are triggered when no Location/Icon is selected on acloud-based Application Module (e.g. System Map Application Module 160)used for localization. This use case may also be used to determine thesequence of events when multiple System devices are triggered with anunlocalized Icon/Location being selected on the Application Module.

In Step 510C, without selecting a Location on a cloud-based ApplicationModule, a user (e.g. Installer) sends an IR trigger using a remotecontrol device to two or more System devices (e.g. Sensics). In Step520C, the two or more System devices visually or otherwise indicate thatthey have received the IR trigger (e.g. by blinking their lights 3 timeseach). The two or more System devices join an open wireless networkassociated with their Gateway device, and each System device sends amessage indicative of a Sign On via the wireless network (e.g. a SignOnmessage) (Step 530C). The cloud-based Application Module receives thetwo or more indications of Sign On, and identifies, based for example onidentifying information in their Sign On messages, corresponding Systemdevices on the UI of the Application module (Step 540C). The identifiedcorresponding System devices are virtual representations of the physicalSystem devices that were triggered. In Step 550C, a first System deviceof the two or more triggered System devices will visually or otherwiseidentify itself to the user (e.g. by continuing to blink). This may bedue to the cloud-based Application Module sending a first of theidentified corresponding System devices a request to begin blinking. Inresponse, the user will indicate on UI of the Application Module, whichLocation/Icon to associate with the blinking (or otherwise attentionseeking) physical System device (Step 560C). In Step 570C, thecloud-based Application Module will proceed to localize the first Systemdevice to the user's chosen Location/Icon. Once successfully localized,the System device will also be deployed. The cloud-based applicationmodule, in conjunction with the triggered two or more System devices,will cycle through each of the System devices identified by thecloud-based Application Module as corresponding to the triggered two ormore System devices, in the way depicted above, so that the user has hada chance to localize each of the triggered system devices.

Trigger Multiple Sensics of which One is Already Localized

In a use case similar to the one depicted in FIG. 5C and describedabove, consider that a user (e.g. Installer) has already selected aLocation/Icon (e.g. Icon A) on the cloud-based Application Module (e.g.System Map Application Module 160). Assume that at this point, awireless network (e.g. ZigBee® network) of a Gateway (e.g. Gateway 110A)associated with a few System devices (e.g. Sensics A and B) is open. Theuser then uses a remote control device to send an infrared (IR) triggerto both Sensics A and B. In response, Sensics A and B visually orotherwise indicates that the IR message was received (e.g. by blinking 3times). They subsequently join the open wireless network, and each sendsa SignOn message to cloud-based Application Module. The ApplicationModule receives the two SignOn messages, one associated with Sensic A'sID and another associated with Sensic B's ID. But since Sensic A hasalready been localized to Icon A, the Application Module may simplydisregard the SignOn message of Sensic A. In this scenario, as there isonly one other Sensic left (Sensic B), Sensic B can be immediatelylocalized to the location associated with Icon A. After successfullocalization, deployment of Sensic B can be initiated.

Potential Issues During Localization

In a further scenario, assume that a user (e.g. Installer) has tapped anicon (Icon A) on the UI of a cloud-based Application Module (e.g. SystemMap Application Module 160). A wireless network associated with aGateway (e.g. Gateway 110A) is thereafter opened by the ApplicationModule. The user sends an IR trigger from a remote control device to aSystem device (Sensic B). Sensic B indicates receipt of the IR message,by, for example, blinking three times. At this point, for illustrationpurposes, we discuss two potential issues that could arise to interferewith the localization process. We also discuss potential ways to addressthese issues.

Issue 1: System Device is Triggered but Cannot Join the Gateway'sWireless Network

Sensic B may be unable to join the wireless network for a variety ofreasons. For example, it may be out of range or otherwise defective. Asa result, Sensic B does not send a SignOn message and does not providethe user with any visual or other indication of successful localization.Without the indication of successful indication, the user will likelyrealize that something went wrong in the localization process. Totroubleshoot, the user can check the UI of the cloud-based ApplicationModule to determine whether or not the Gateway associated with Sensic Bor the Building Server itself is offline. Alternatively, the user maytry to trigger a different as yet unlocalized System device (e.g. SensicA) to see if the same behavior is found to occur. The user may also senda factory reset command to Sensic B using the remote control device, andthereafter try to trigger it again. Lastly, the user may replace SensicB.

Issue 2: System Device Joins Network but Sign on Indication Doesn'tReach Cloud

Sensic B joins the open wireless network, and then attempts to send asign on indication (e.g. SignOn message) to the cloud-based ApplicationModule. However, if the communication links between the cloud-basedApplication Module and the Gateway is subsequently broken (e.g. one ormore of the communication links between the Gateway and the BuildingServer (e.g. Building Server 100), the Building Server and the Cloud(e.g. Cloud 115), or the cloud-based Application Module and the Cloud isinterrupted), localization will not be able to proceed as usual. Butthese breaks in connectivity will be visibly indicated on the UI of thecloud-based Application Module to the user. As the SignOn from theSensic B will not reach the cloud-based Application Module, localizationof Sensic B will not proceed. But, as soon as the interruptedconnections are restored, the user can once again try to send a secondIR trigger to Sensic B. Again, as before, Sensic B will blink apredetermined number of times (e.g. three) to indicate receipt of the IRmessage. However, this time, if the connection issues being experiencedbefore are resolved, the cloud-based Application Module will receive thenew SignOn message sent from Sensic B, and localization will continue inthe manner indicated in the previous sections. Deployment will also takeplace following successful localization as previously indicated.

Fixing a Previous Incorrect Localization of Sensic

The following discussion is directed to some exemplary ways in which aprevious incorrect localization of a System device (e.g. Sensic A) canbe corrected. This discussion is for illustrative purposes only, and isnot meant to be limiting. Assume that Sensic A has already beenlocalized to a location associated with Icon A, which is an incorrectlocalization. There are at least two ways for a user (e.g. Installer) tofix the incorrect localization.

In a first scenario, if the user wants to localize Sensic A to Icon Binstead, and he/she notices that Sensic C already physically exhibits avisual indication that it has already been localized (e.g. it is alreadydimmed to 10%), the user may send a factory reset command using a remotecontrol device to Sensic C. In response, Sensic C will reset, leave thenetwork it was previously assigned to, and send a message indicating thesame (e.g. a leaveNetwork' message) to the Gateway associated with it.This sequence of events will have the effect of removing thelocalization of Sensic C to Icon A. In the cloud-based ApplicationModule (e.g. System Map Application Module 160), the appearance of IconA will accordingly change to indicate that is not currently associatedwith a System device. Now, the user can proceed to localize Sensic A tothe location associated with Icon B (or any other icon of his/herchoice).

In a second scenario, the user knows that the localization of Sensic Ato Icon A did not progress as expected (e.g. something went wrong duringthe localization process). The user can use the cloud-based ApplicationModule to initiate the re-localization process. The user may, forexample, tap Icon A in order to unmap it from Sensic A. This will removethe localization of Sensic A to the location associated with Icon A. Thecloud-based Application Module (e.g. System Map Application Module 160)will then initiate the process of removing the faulty localization. Forexample, it may send a “factory reset” signal to Sensic A, and Sensic Awill, in response, reset and leave the wireless network of the Gatewayit was previously associated with. Now, the user can localize Sensic Ato the location associated with Icon B (or any other icon of his/herchoice).

Exemplary Interactions Between Various Cloud-Based System ApplicationModules

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the interaction of the variouscloud-based system application modules that may be utilized by anexemplary cloud-based system for monitoring and control of physicalenvironments. Some of these cloud-based applications have previouslybeen discussed in the context of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 provides additionalmodules and further details regarding previously discussed modules, suchas their interactions with each other and their exemplary use. Users A,B, C, and D depicted in FIG. 6 are users who are each associated with adifferent role. Based on a user's role, he or she may be granted accessto one or more of the application modules.

User A represents operational personnel, typically associated with theentity (e.g. Company Z) that hosts and or otherwise manages theoperation of the exemplary cloud-based system for monitoring andcontrolling physical environments itself In various embodiments, User Ahas access to all project data (e.g. project hierarchies) maintained andcontrolled by the cloud-based system. It supports all other users,particularly User D, in maintaining the day-to-day operations of the enduser in monitoring and controlling the various sites monitored by thecloud-based system. User B represents an Intake Engineer whose mainfunction within this context may be to create a digital model of one ormore buildings within a project hierarchy. User C is a person, such asan installer or commissioning engineer, whose main task may be tophysically and logically install devices within a building based on acreated digital model of a building, and thereafter participate in thecommissioning, configuration and deployment processes. User D ispersonnel from a department such as facilities management, finance, orsustainability for the entity/customer (e.g. Company X) who is the enduser of the exemplary cloud-based.

The User Management Application Module 150, previously discussed in thecontext of FIG. 1, is a cloud-based software module that, in variousembodiments, allows a system administrator, or someone similarlycredentialed, to create new user accounts for the cloud-based system formonitoring and controlling physical environments. For example, thesystem administrator may create a new user (e.g. User L) and assign thatuser credentials such as a username and a temporary password so thatUser L can thereafter use the System Login Application Module 610 togain access to one or more of the cloud-based system application modulesdepicted in FIG. 6.

The System Users Application Module 630 is used, in various embodiments,to assign users to one or more project hierarchies, sites or buildings.In various embodiments of the present cloud-based monitoring and controlsystem, the Project hierarchy is the root of a hierarchy. Each Projecthierarchy may contain one or more Sites, each Site may contain one ormore Buildings, each Building may contain one or more Floors. If a User(e.g. User L) is assigned to a Project hierarchy PH, then that user willhave access to various features of Project hierarchy PH based on his orher role. A user's access rights may also be restricted in a customizedfashion. For example, if User L is assigned to Site 1, he/she may beallowed access to only the buildings associated with Site 1, and notother sites within the project hierarchy to which Site 1 belongs.

The System Project Application Module 140, previously discussed in thecontext of FIG. 1, is central system application module that controlsaccess to all other system application modules. When a user logs intothe cloud-based monitoring and control system, the application moduleencountered by the user is the System Project Application Module 140.The user will only be able to view and/or manipulate the projecthierarchy, sites or buildings to which he or she has been assigned. Invarious embodiments, the user's assignment to various projecthierarchies, sites and/or buildings is associated with his or her logincredentials (e.g. user ID), but his/her ability to access one or moresystem application modules such as System Map Application Module 160 orSystem Intake Application Module 130, are associated with his/herassigned role (e.g. Installer or Intake Engineer). Once a user hasaccessed the System Project Application Module 140 and is presentedwith, for example, one project hierarchy that he/she has been assignedto (e.g. MegaCorp), he can select the project hierarchy via userinterface elements presented to him on a graphical user interface. Hemay then be presented with the various sites associated with projecthierarchy MegaCorp (e.g. London and Shanghai). Clicking on the Londonsite will, for example, present the user with a graphical representation(e.g. icons) of the various buildings associated with the London site(e.g. Building 1 and 2). In many embodiments, the graphical userinterface of the System Project Application Module 140 presented to theuser will provide the user with one or more ways to access the othersystem application modules to which that user has access (e.g. SystemOperations Application Module 620 or System Energy Application Module120) based on the user's role and/or login credentials.

The System Intake Application Module 130 was previously discussed in thecontext of FIG. 1. In many embodiments, it allows an appropriatelycredentialed user such as a user who has been assigned the role ofOperational personnel or an Intake Engineer to create a digital model ofa building within a site and project hierarchy. In such embodiments,this also means that the user must also have the credentials to accessthe building through the System Project Application Module 140. Assumingthe necessary credentials exist, the user (e.g. User L) will bepresented with a user interface that allows him/her to add floorplans tographically and logically represent various physical floors of aselected building. Once a floorplan for a floor for a particularbuilding is selected, the user can then proceed to graphically subdividevarious regions within the floorplan to depict various types of spaces(e.g. cell office, open-plan office, meeting room or corridors). Theuser is graphically creating a virtual layout of the floor. In variousembodiments, the user is also presented with the appropriate userinterface elements and functionality (e.g. drag and drop, cut-and-paste,icons representing individual devices such as luminaires and wirelessgateways), so that the user can graphically depict system devices suchas gateways, luminaires, grids of luminaires, switches, light andoccupancy sensors, at particular locations within the many rooms orareas on a floorplan. In various aspects, configuration data, whichdirects the behavior of devices such as luminaires within a space (e.g.how luminaires in a particular corridor respond to a change inoccupancy), are also associated with the different areas (e.g. offices,corridors, open spaces) at this stage. System Intake Application Module130 may also be used to associate additional configuration data tofurther control the behavior (e.g. light output) of individual devicessuch as luminaires and sensors. In various embodiments, the ApplicationModule 130 is only accessible to those users with the assigned role ofOperations personnel or Intake Engineer.

According to many embodiments, the System Map Application Module 160,previously discussed in the context of FIG. 1, is typically used by auser such as an Installer while on-site at a building that is part of aproject hierarchy associated with the cloud-based monitoring and controlsystem. In many embodiments, the Installer enters the building andphysically installs the devices at the locations indicated on agraphical depiction of the digital model of the building, created using,for example, the System Intake Application Module 130. The System MapApplication Module 160 thereafter aids in the commissioning,localization and deployment processes described previously in thecontext of FIGS. 4 and 5, and also in the context of FIGS. 10, 11 and12. In various embodiments, using Application Module 160, the Installeridentifies the appropriate digital floorplan, which provides avisualization of all of the system devices are areas on the floorplan.The commissioning process begins with the building server (e.g. BuildingServer 100) associated with the building at hand and then continues tothe various wireless gateways and the associated system devices such asluminaires and switches. As previously indicated, the Installer, using amobile computing device such as a smart phone or tablet, selects theparticular physical device that he/she wishes to commission andlocalize, by selecting it on the Application Module 160's userinterface. The Installer then proceeds to take a picture of the QR(Quick Response®) code on the device using a camera on the smart phoneor tablet, and this initiates the commissioning, localization anddeployment process discussed in detail in connection with various otherfigures and throughout the Specification. The QR code is used purely asan example, and any other code may be used as well. In variousembodiments, System Map Application Module 160 is only accessible tothose users with the role of Operations personnel or Installer.

The System Energy Application Module 120, in many embodiments, may beaccessed by the end user, typically operations personnel associated withthe entity (e.g. Company Z) that hosts and or otherwise managesoperation of the cloud-based monitoring and control system, or afacilities management personnel associated with the end user entityassociated with a particular project hierarchy whose buildings are beingmonitored by the cloud-based monitoring system. Accordingly, in variousembodiments, only users with the appropriate roles (e.g. operationspersonnel or facilities managers) and with appropriate accesscredentials are allowed access to Application Module 120. In such andother embodiments, space and resource utilization data from allmonitored system devices and areas are transported via their respectivegateways and the building servers to the cloud associated with thecloud-based monitoring system (e.g. Cloud 115 depicted in FIG. 1), wherethe data is analyzed. Statistical analysis and machine learningtechniques may be employed to derive useful analytics which are thenpresented to the end user in the form of graphs and other visualizationmodes showing past usage, predictions of future energy consumption, andpresent (real time) energy utilization. Energy consumption data analyzedin conjunction with occupancy data may reveal physical areas andresources that are poorly utilized and therefore could contribute tostrategies to lower future energy utilization.

The System Operations Application Module 620 is, in many embodiments,typically accessible only to operations personnel (e.g. User A depictedin FIG. 6) associated with the entity (e.g. Company Z) that hosts and orotherwise manages operation of the cloud-based monitoring system. Itprovides the user interface and back-end logic for remotelytroubleshooting, diagnosing and addressing run-time issues such asinappropriate light levels, errors in energy and occupancy datacollection or analysis, or inaccurate commissioning, localization ordeployment.

Deployment

FIGS. 7A-C illustrate an embodiment of a deployment of the cloud-basedsystem for monitoring and controlling physical environments depicted inFIG. 1. The cloud module illustrated in FIG. 7A is similar to Cloud 115described in the context of FIG. 1. System Project Application Module140, System Intake Application Module 130, System Map Application Module160, System Operations Application Module 620, System Energy ApplicationModule 120, Cloud Connectivity Service Module 190, Data Platform Module180 and Projects 170A are similar to the identically-named modulesdepicted in FIGS. 1 and 6. Project Service Module 708 enables thevarious system application modules such as System Intake ApplicationModule 130 and System Map Application Module 160 to support multiplecommunication protocols such as Dynet® and ZigBee®. It essentiallyallows the system application modules to perform their functions in aprotocol-independent fashion. It also facilitates communication of databetween the Projects 170A database and the system application modules.

The Envision Deployment Engine Module 711 participates in the generationof configuration files for system devices such as Sensic devices. Theseconfiguration files are applicable to individual Sensics or groups ofSensics and are used to control their behavior in response to eventssuch as changes in ambient lighting, occupancy, time of day and thelike. The Envision Plugin Module 709 is a plugin module that allows theEnvision Deployment Engine Module 711 to communicate with the ProjectService Module 708 in a seamless manner. In other words, because theplugin can communicate with both the Envision Deployment Engine Module711 and the Project Service Module 708, the Project Service Module 708can be implemented without any dependence on the implementation orarchitecture of the Envision Deployment Engine Module 711. The EnvisionData Analytics Module 714 performs the necessary analytics on energy andresource usage information gathered from all the Sensic devices by wayof the building servers and gateways, and makes the analyzed dataavailable for presentation to the System Energy Application Module 120.

Overview of Registration, User Authentication and Device Authorization

Devices 701 depicted in FIG. 7A is a database module that is configuredto hold information related to all the various building servers (e.g.Building Server 100), gateways (e.g. Gateway 110A), and system devices(e.g. System Device 101) that are associated with each projecthierarchy. For example, before a particular building server is able tobe utilized for resource and energy management purposes for a particularproject or site, it will need to register itself with the cloud (e.g.Cloud 115). This registration process is described in further detail inthe description accompanying FIGS. 8A-B. Information associated withregistered users (e.g. user names, passwords, roles) of the cloud-basedsystem of FIG. 1 are securely stored in the Users 702 database moduledepicted in FIG. 7A. In various embodiments, this information isaccessed by the Identity Management Module 705 during the authenticationprocess, when a user wishes to access, for example, one or more of thecloud-based system application modules (e.g. System Map ApplicationModule 160). Standard authentication techniques may be employed by theIdentity Management Module 705. In various embodiments, the ForgerockOpenAM/DJ Module 706 is responsible for ensuring appropriateauthorization with respect to the identities for the various devices(e.g. building servers and wireless gateways) that seek access to thecloud to perform their part in an exemplary system for monitoring andcontrolling physical environments. In such embodiments, the Policy AgentModule 707 aides in granting authorization to users to access thevarious depicted system application modules. For example, even after auser has been properly authenticated and has gained access to theinitial System Project Application Module 140, further access to theother system application modules such as System Intake ApplicationModule 130 and System Map Application Module 130 are limited based onthe role the user has been assigned. Roles have been described infurther detail in the description associated with FIG. 6. In manyembodiments, access policies associated with the various roles areconfigured/implemented via URLs. For example, assume that variousaspects of the System Project Application Module 140 can be accessedeach with a different URL. While a user who has been assigned anAdministrator role may be granted the ability to access all of thesedifferent URLs (each allowing the user to access a variety offunctionality provided by the System Project Application Module 140), auser who has been assigned an Installer role may only be granted accessto two of these URLs. The Policy Agent Module 707 enforces preset andconfigurable policies with respect to the functionality that each roleis able to access.

Firmware/Software Images and Updates

The FW Images 700 database module of FIG. 7A stores the images forupdating the Building Server, Gateway and System device firmware and/orsoftware. The FW/SW update process starts with a trigger from thecloud's SW Update Module 703 to the Building Server via the MQTTprotocol. In various embodiments, the trigger may contain the URL forretrieving the necessary update image. In the case of a Building Serverfirmware update, the SW Update Module 703 in the cloud will send atrigger via MQTT, the FW Update BS Module 721 in the Building Serverwill recognize the trigger, and the Building Server will then use theURL in the trigger to retrieve the update image and report back to thecloud using the MQTT channel that it has finished downloading the updateimage. In these embodiments, the SW Update Module 703 in the cloud willthereafter send an explicit trigger via MQTT, and upon receiving thetrigger, the Building Server will perform tasks required to switch tothe new updated image (e.g. rebooting and switching to the applicationof the new image). The process for performing a firmware update of aWireless Gateway is similar to the above-described firmware update forthe Building Server. However, the update process for the WirelessGateway uses the Building Server as a proxy. For example, the retrievalof the FW image via a URL by the Wireless Gateway is proxied via theHTTP Proxy Module 718 depicted in the Building Server module in thepresent figure.

The Building Server depicted in FIG. 7A is similar to Building Server100 described in the context of FIG. 1. This embodiment of the BuildingServer depicts various modules that play role(s) in facilitatingsoftware updates, device registration, and data collection. The HTTPProxy Module 718 and the MQTT Proxy Module 720 proxy communicationsusing the HTTP and the MQTT protocols, respectively, between one or morewireless gateways and the cloud. For example, communications arisingfrom the MQTT client in a wireless gateway associated with the BuildingServer of FIG. 7A is routed by the MQTT Proxy Module 720 of the BuildingServer. In many embodiments, only one device (e.g. a building server)within a physical environment that is being monitored will have directaccess to the cloud that is being used to monitor the environment. Alldata from the various wireless gateways and system devices will beproxied through the Building Server. In such embodiments, the wirelessgateway and system devices are cloud-independent. In other words, theydo not need to have the data or logic to connect directly to the cloud.The Device Registration Module 716 orchestrates the registration of theBuilding Server with the Cloud. This process is described in more detailin the description accompanying FIGS. 8A-B. The Field Network DiscoveryModule 717 is involved in the process of discovering devices in thenetwork. The Network Provider Module 719 receives configuration datafrom the Envision Plugin Module 709 in the Cloud and is responsible forforwarding this data to the System devices (e.g. Sensic devices).Additionally, the Network Provider Module 719 facilitates bi-directionalcommunication between the Cloud and the Wireless Gateway. For example,it can send sign-on messages originating in the Sensics, WirelessGateway and Building Server to the Cloud via the Envision Plugin Module709. Similarly, the Network Provider Module 719 can also propagatecommands from the Cloud (e.g. open ZigBee network commands) to theWireless Gateway.

The Failover Module 726 and Recovery Module 728 are together responsiblefor detecting and recovering from errors in the Building Server'soperations. In some embodiments, the operation of one or more keysoftware processes is continually monitored by way of a timer. In thecase that the process(es) stop due to an error condition, the timer alsostops. The timer stopping is a trigger that results in the one or moreprocesses or the Building Server itself restarting to recover from theerror condition. The BS Diagnostics Module 727 gathers information onthe routine operation of the Building Server. For example, in manyembodiments, error messages that may help in diagnosing operating errorsare collected. These messages are periodically sent to the Cloud foranalysis and visualization by system application modules such as SystemEnergy Application Module 120. The Scheduling Module 729 in the BuildingServer is involved in scheduling tasks that override the usual behaviorin a physical environment (e.g. building) that are based on events suchas changes in occupancy or daylight. In some embodiments, the SchedulingModule 729 is executed in the Building Server, whereas in others, it isexecuted in the Cloud.

The Gateway (e.g. a wireless gateway) depicted in FIGS. 7B and 7C issimilar to Gateways 110A and 110B previously described in the context ofFIG. 1. FIGS. 7B and 7C depict various modules of the Wireless Gateway.As with most modules described throughout this Specification, thesemodules may be implemented in firmware or entirely in software. Ifimplemented entirely in software, they may be executed on one or moreprocessor located physically at the Wireless Gateway itself or on one ormore processors located remotely, but accessible to the WirelessGateway. The NTP Client Module 735 of the Wireless Gateway is similar tothe similarly named module in the Building Server, in that itparticipates in pushing time data to the System devices such as Sensics.The ZigBee Clock Sync Server Module 736 of the Wireless Gateway alsoparticipates in this time-synchronization-related process, and itsparticipation, along with the Wireless Gateway's NTP Client Module 735is described in more detail in the next section on time synchronization.The Data Collection Module 733 of the Wireless Gateway is involved inthe collection of energy and other metrics from the System devices (e.g.Sensics) and pushing this information upward to the Cloud by way of theBuilding Server. Details regarding its functionality are described inthe following section on metric reporting. In various embodiments, theWG Diagnostics Module 734 is primarily responsible for reporting erroror otherwise abnormal conditions or states encountered during theroutine operation of the Wireless Gateway. These error conditions orstates are thereafter reported up to the Cloud via the Building Serverfor further analysis and presentation. The FW Update Module 732 of theWireless Gateway, like the similarly named module on the BuildingServer, is primarily responsible for coordinating the firmware andsoftware updates for itself and for Sensic devices. This process isdescribed in further detail in the context of the FIG. 9. The DiscoveryRegistration Module 730 of the Wireless Gateway functions to registeritself with the Building Server and/or the Cloud. The MQTT Client Module731 works to route communications based on the MQTT protocol arisingfrom the Wireless Gateway, and any device in communication with theWireless Gateway, to the Building Server via the Building Server's MQTTProxy Module 720.

The Sensics depicted in FIG. 7C are similar to the devices 101-106described in the context of FIG. 1. In various embodiments, the SensicDiagnostics Module 737 reports error states and conditions associatedwith the usual operation of the Sensic to the Metric Reporting module,which is described in the following section on time synchronization. TheZigBee Clock Sync Client Module 743 and ZigBee Clock Sync Server Module744 are also described in the following section on time synchronization.In such and other embodiments, the FW Update Module 742 participates inthe process of updating the Sensic's firmware and/or software, and thisprocess is discussed in more detail in the description accompanying FIG.9. The Sensor 740 senses, for example, infrared signals, changes inmotion or light intensity. The Actuator 738 actuates devices, such asluminaires, to change, for example, the intensity or othercharacteristics associated with illumination. It may also actuate avariety of other devices found in buildings, such as HVAC devices,blinds, curtains, projectors, displays, and the like. The EnvisionControl Module 739, according to many embodiments, functions to applyconfiguration data (e.g. configuration files) passed down to the Sensicfrom the Envision Deployment Engine Module 711 and Envision PluginModule 709 in the Cloud via the Building Server and the Gateway. In suchembodiments, the configuration file details the response of theparticular Sensic or a group of Sensics to various lighting andenvironmental conditions such as changes in occupancy, temperature ormovement.

Time Synchronization

In many embodiments, the NTP Client Module 723 depicted as part of theBuilding Server in 7A is used for time synchronization purposes. Itworks in conjunction with an NTP Server Module 715 on a network such asthe Internet, an NTP Server Module 725 that is also part of the BuildingServer depicted in FIG. 7A, and the NTP Client Module 735 and ZigBeeClock Sync Server Module 736 depicted as part of the Wireless Gateway WGin FIG. 7B. NTP generally refers to the known Network Time Protocol,which is a networking protocol commonly used for clock synchronizationbetween computer systems. NTP typically works to synchronize computingdevices to be within a few milliseconds of a Coordinated Universal Time(UTC). While NTP may operate under the Client-Server model, it can alsobe used in peer-to-peer solutions, where multiple devices may beconsidered a potential time source.

In many embodiments, in order to accurately timestamp energy andresource usage data collected from the Sensics, it is essential toperiodically synchronize all the Sensics, Wireless Gateways and theBuilding Server. The current time data is first retrieved from the NTPServer Module 715 depicted as being outside of the Cloud or BuildingServer. Generally such an NTP Server is on the Internet. In variousembodiments, the Building Server's NTP Client Module 723 receives thecurrent time data. Next, this current time data is received by the NPServer Module 725 in the Building Server, before it is communicated tothe NTP Client Module 735 of the Wireless Gateway depicted in FIG. 7B.Within the Wireless Gateway, this current time data is in turncommunicated to the ZigBee Clock Sync Server Module 736. Thereafter, alevel discovery phase is initiated to identify those Sensic devices thatare closest to the Wireless Gateway. In many embodiments, this isaccomplished by the Wireless Gateway sending a broadcast command viaZigBee with a particular level (e.g. a level 0 associated with itself).When Sensic devices closest to the Wireless Gateway receive thebroadcast command, they increase their own level to 1 and thenre-broadcast the same or a similar message with a level 1. Sensicdevices receiving the re-broadcast message will thereafter identifythemselves with a level 2 and re-broadcast the message again. Thisprocess continues until all neighborhood Sensic devices have beenidentified and are associated with a level. The second phase followingthe level discovery phase is a synchronization phase, which involvesusing a known pair-wise time synchronization algorithm. As part of thesynchronization process, the ZigBee Clock Sync Client Module 743 of oneof more Sensics at a first level receives the current time data from theZigBee Clock Sync Server Module 736 of the Wireless Gateway. Thisinformation is then propagated peer-to-peer by the Sensics themselves.This may be a result of the ZigBee Clock Sync Server Module 744 of aparticular Sensic communicating this information via the ZigBee networkfor reception by the ZigBee Clock Sync Client Module 743 in aneighboring Sensic, as indicated in FIG. 7C with the arrow lines.

Metric Reporting

In various embodiments, Sensics will report energy and/or occupancy dataperiodically (e.g. energy data may be reported every fifteen minutes andoccupancy data every fifty seconds). The Metric Reporting Module 741,shown in FIG. 7C as part of each Sensic, receives time data from theZigBee Clock Sync Client Module 743, which is then added as a time stampto the reported energy or resource usage data. The Sensic DiagnosticsModule 737 also provides the Metric Reporting Module 741 with diagnosticdata regarding the operation of the Sensic itself. This diagnostic datamay be error messages indicating potential or known issues with theroutine operation of the Sensic, such as the inability to sense oractuate in the usual manner. In many embodiments, metric data istransmitted from each Sensic in the following manner. First, there are afew different packet types that are utilized: a packet type fortransmitting address information, another for transmitting the full timestamp with a first metric, and yet another for transmitting a timeoffset with a further metric. In a typical embodiment, when the MetricReporting Module 741 of a Sensic reports, for example, metric related toenergy usage, it first transmits a first message with the addressinformation needed to identify the Sensic device from which the metricoriginates. Thereafter, the full time stamp with a first metric relatingto energy usage is transmitted. Lastly, a second metric relating toenergy usage is transmitted along with time offset data indicating theamount of time that has elapsed since the transmission of the firstmetric. The metric data is received by the Data Collection Module 733 ofthe Wireless Gateway

In some embodiments, the Sensic does not itself provide any addressinformation that uniquely identifies itself to the Wireless Gateway whenreporting metric data. In such embodiments, the Data Collection Module733 in the Wireless Gateway (depicted in FIGS. 7B and 7C) appends orotherwise associates a globally unique address for the Sensic to itsreported metric. The Data Collection Module 733 in the Wireless Gatewaymay also add its own address information. In various embodiments, thiscombination of the Wireless Gateway's address information and an addressassociated with a particular Sensic or group of Sensic is what resultsin the globally unique nature of the address associated with aparticular metric or collection of metrics being reported. The DataCollection Module 733 in the Wireless Gateway receives information fromthe Sensics typically using the ZigBee protocol, but providesinformation to the Building Server typically using HTTPS.

Periodically, the Wireless Gateway's Data Collection Module 733transmits data to the Data Collection Module 724 in the Building Server.In various embodiments, the Wireless Gateway pushes this informationperiodically. In other embodiments, the Building Server pulls thisinformation from the Wireless Gateway. After receiving the metric data,the Data Collection Module 724 of the Building Server adds its ownaddress to the address information. This address information may beadded to each received metric received from the Wireless Gateway, orcollectively to a whole batch of metrics prior to transmitting the batchof metrics to the Cloud. In many embodiments, the Building Servercollects all the received metrics for a short period of time (e.g. 5seconds) prior to batch transmitting the metrics to the Cloud's DataPlatform Module 180. In such embodiments, should there be a lack ofconnectivity with the Cloud for a period of time, the metric datareceived from all the Wireless Gateways associated with the BuildingServer will be buffered for a maximum duration of time (e.g. 24 hours).When connectivity with the Cloud is re-established, the Building Serverwill push the buffered metric data to the Cloud. In many embodiments,such buffering is also available at the Wireless Gateway to prevent dataloss if connectivity between the Wireless Gateway and the BuildingServer is disrupted.

Building Server Registration and Connection

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an embodiment of a method of registering andconnecting a Building Server with a Cloud (e.g. Cloud 115 of FIG. 1) ofa cloud-based system for monitoring and controlling a physicalenvironment. The boxes at the top of both figures represent a BuildingServer inside a facility (e.g. Building Server 100 of FIG. 1), andvarious cloud-based modules associated, for example, with Cloud 115 ofFIG. 1. Device Registration Module 704, Identity Management Module 705,Data Platform Module 180 are all embodiments of identically namedcloud-based modules previously described in the context of FIG. 7A.

As depicted in FIG. 8A, the Building Server 100 retrieves a locallysaved MAC address that identifies the building server uniquely across ofall vendors of building servers (Retrieve Building Server ID( )).Thereafter, Building Server 100 initiates, for example, adevice-to-service communication (Register ( )) by way, for example, ofan API call. In many embodiments, the Device Registration Module 704 inthe Cloud (e.g. Cloud 115) essentially exposes an API that BuildingServer 100 invokes to begin the registration process. In variousembodiments, to register itself with the Cloud, Building Server 100communicates its retrieved Building Server ID (e.g. a 64 bit MACaddress), a device type indicating that it is a Building Server, and akeyed-hash message authentication code (HMAC). HMAC is a knowncryptographic message authentication code that uses a hash function incombination with a secret key. It is used to verify both messageauthentication and data integrity. An HMAC may be calculated using anyknown cryptographic hash function, such as MD5 or SHA-1. In variousembodiments, the Device Registration Module 704 has access to a databasethat stores a secret cryptographic key for each building server. Eachbuilding server in turn has access to its own copy of the secretcryptographic key, but not the cryptographic keys of any other buildingserver. The Device Registration Module 704 on the Cloud thereafterverifies that the received Building Server ID and HMAC are associatedwith each other (Verify BSID and HMAC( )). In doing so, the DeviceRegistration Module 704 authenticates Building Server 100. If, duringthis process, the Device Registration Module 704 receives multipleregistration attempts from a building server that it is unable toverify/authenticate, then it may temporary block such attempts from thebuilding server.

Next, the Device Registration Module 704 creates a password (CreatePassword ( )) that, in combination with the Building Server ID will actas the building server's operational ID when interacting with variouscloud-based modules. In many embodiments, the Device Registration Module704 then invokes the Identity Management Module 705 to have it create anew identity (Create Identity( )) that represents Building Server 100within the cloud-based system for monitoring indoor space and resourceusage. The Building Server ID and password are used to formulate the newidentity. Once the new identity for Building Server 100 has beensuccessfully created, the Identity Management Module 705 proceeds to addBuilding Server 100 to a group of building servers recognized by theCloud (Add To Group( )). This may be accomplished by simply creating anassociation in a database between the Building Server ID and thebuilding server's newly minted identity and a predefined group. In someembodiments of the Cloud, each building server registered with the Cloudbelongs to a group that may be referred to as the Building Servicegroup. Belonging to this group is one way of identifying a device as aspecial type of device, namely a Building Server. Following successfuladdition to the group, the Identity Management Module 705 notifies theDevice Registration Module 704 of successful completion (depicted by thedotted arrow from Identity Management module 705 to Device RegistrationModule 704).

Thereafter, the Device Registration Module 704 creates a cryptographicCertificate for the Building Server 100 to use in order to function as asecure server. There are various ways for such a cryptographicCertificate to be created. Typically, the Certificate is a public keythat is signed and encrypted using a private key of a CertificateAuthority. The user of the Certificate (e.g. Building Server 100) canpresent the public key to other entities as evidence of itsauthenticity—thereby preventing an entity from impersonating another. Invarious embodiments, the Device Registration Module 704 then sends thepassword it previously generated for Building Server 100, the createdCertificate, the encrypted private key, and information on a resource(e.g. an MQTT endpoint or URL) that Building Server 100 can use tocommunicate with the Cloud, to Building Server 100 (depicted by thedotted arrow from Device Registration Module 704 to Building Server100).

Upon receipt of the above-identified pieces of information from theDevice Registration Module 704, Building Server 100 decrypts theencrypted private key (Extract Install Private Key Certificate( )),using, for example, it's secret key that it already shares with theDevice Registration Module 704. For secure communications within thebuilding itself (e.g. between Building Server 100 and various wirelessgateways), a shared secret may be used to ensure secure connectionsbetween these devices. Building Server 100 generates a Site Key as sucha shared secret for use within the building (Generate Install Site Key()).

Next, Building Server 100 attempts to have itself authenticated by theIdentity Management Module 705, by, for example, providing its BuildingServer ID and the password it received from the Device RegistrationModule 704 (Authenticate (BSID, Password)). If the authentication issuccessful, Identity Management Module 705 returns an access token thatBuilding Server 100 may use to subsequently access services in the Cloud(depicted by the dotted arrow labeled ‘Access Token’).

In many embodiments, to access the Data Platform Module 180 associatedwith the Cloud, Building Server 100 is required to have a second set ofaccess credentials. This essentially separates the security related togaining access to all the other cloud modules from the securityassociated with access to the Cloud's data platform itself. Thefollowing discussion deals with the part of Building Server 100'sregistration process that will result in granting this additional set ofcredentials. To initiate this process, the Building Server invokes, forexample, an API call (Activate Data Platform (BSID, Password)) andprovides its Building Server ID as well as its password. Thiscommunication may occur over HTTPS. Upon receipt of this communication,the Device Registration Module 704 invokes the Identity ManagementModule 705 to verify the supplied credentials (VerifyCredentialsCredentials (BSID, Password)). Once verified (dotted arrowfrom Identity Management Module 705 to Device Registration Module 704labeled OK), the Device Registration Module 704 proceeds to generateanother password for Building Server 100 to use (Create Password ( ))for its communications with Data Platform Module 180. In manyembodiments, the Device Registration Module 704 then provides the DataPlatform Module 180 with the following information: the Building ServerID, the new password for data platform access, and information on theparticular group that Building Server 100 belongs to (Subject DeviceGroup ( )). In many embodiments this communication may be accomplishedvia HTTPS. Using this information, the Data Platform Module 180 createsa unique identity for use in identifying Building Server 100 in itsfuture interactions with the building server (Create DP Identity ( )).Upon successfully creating this new identity, the Data Platform Module180 notifies the Device Registration Module 704 of the same (dottedarrow from Data Platform Module 180 to Device Registration Module 704labeled DP Identity). The Device Registration Module 704 in turn passeson this notification of success to Building Server 100 along with thenewly generated data platform credentials of the building server (dottedarrow from Device Registration Module 704 to Building Server 100 labeledDP Identity).

Thereafter, in many instances, Building Server 100 may attempt to getitself authenticated directly with Data Platform Module 180 by invoking,for example, API for this purpose at the Data Platform Module 180(Subject Authenticate (BS Data Credentials)). In other instances,however, the steps of the Building Server 100 getting itself directlyauthenticated by the Data Platform Module 180 may not be necessary. Inthe former instances, the Building Server 100 supplies the Data PlatformModule 180 with its Building Server ID and the password created by DataPlatform Module 180. In turn, Data Platform Module 180 verifies thecredentials supplied by Building Server 100 (Verify Credentials( )) andreturns an access token for use by Building Server 100 in futurecommunications with Data Platform Module 180 (dotted arrow from DataPlatform Module 180 to Building Server 100 labeled Data Platform Token).

As depicted in FIG. 8B, after registration, Building Server 100 connectsto the Cloud for the first time by, for example, invoking a method ofthe Cloud Connectivity Service Module 190 using an API it provides, andsupplying its Building Server ID and the password initially created forBuilding Server 100 by the Device Registration Module 704 (Connect(BSID, Password)). In response, the Cloud Connectivity Service Module190 invokes an authenticate method, whereby the Identity ManagementModule 705 is asked to authenticate the Building Server's credentials.The Building Server ID and Password provided by Building Server 100 areused for this purpose (Authenticate (BSID, Password)). In manyembodiments, the authentication process may be initiated by the CloudConnectivity Service Module 190 at the Identity Management Module 705using the HTTPS protocol. Upon successful authentication, the IdentityManagement Module 705 returns a token to the Cloud Connectivity ServiceModule 190 indicating that Building Server 100 has been successfullyauthenticated (depicted by dotted arrow labeled ‘Token’). Using thereceived Token, the Cloud Connectivity Service Module 190 then requeststhat the Identity Management Module 705 retrieve the Group that BuildingServer 100 was previously assigned to (Retrieve Group (Token)). Inresponse, the Identity Management Module 705 returns a reference to theGroup that Building Server 100 is assigned to (e.g. a Group thatcontains references to all the registered building servers associatedwith the particular Cloud).

In various embodiments, all of the above information exchanges may becarried out using the HTTPS protocol. Using the reference to the Groupassigned to Building Server 100, the Cloud Connectivity Service Module190 can verify the authorization of Building Server 100 (VerifyAuthorizationAuthorization ( )). To do this, in various embodiments, theCloud Connectivity Service Module 190 checks to see Building Server 100belongs to the correct authorization group. System devices like buildingservers and gateways are usually associated with a Devices group. As aresult, when any device connects to the Cloud Connectivity ServiceModule 190 using MQTT, the Cloud Connectivity Service Module 190 checksto see if the device is, in fact, part of the Devices group. In manyembodiments, only devices or services (e.g. the Envision ProtocolPlugin), but not users, are allowed to connect to the Cloud via MQTT.Once Building Server 100′s authorization status has been successfullyverified, the Cloud Connectivity Service Module 190 sends a notificationback to Building Server 100 (using, for example, MQTT) indicating thatit is successfully connected (depicted by dotted arrow from CloudConnectivity Service Module 190 to Building Server 100 labeled‘Connected’). Building Server 100 can thereafter publish a “Sign On”message via the Cloud Connectivity Service Module 190 using, forexample, the “Publish” mechanism of MQTT. The “Sign On” message ispublished to a particular Topic associated with the particular BuildingServer. In MQTT, different topics are associated with different channelsor functionalities. Various devices can subscribe to various channels inorder to receive published messages on those channels. Accordingly, alldevices subscribing to the particular Topic will receive notification ofBuilding Server 100's “Sign On” message. Prior to acknowledging BuildingServer 100's wish to Publish its “Sign On” message, however, the CloudConnectivity Service Module 190 again performs an AuthorizationVerification (Verify Authorization ( )) as it had previously performedfollowing Building Server 100's Connect invocation. Following successfulauthorization verification, an acknowledgment is returned to BuildingServer 100 (depicted by dotted arrow from Cloud Connectivity ServiceModule 190 to Building Server 100 labeled ‘ACK’). Thereafter, the CloudConnectivity Service Module 190 pushes Building Server 100's Sign Onmessage (Building Server SignOn ( )) to all subscribers of the Topicthat Building Server 100 wishes to publish its Sign On message to. As asubscriber, the Envision Plugin Module 709 receives the Sign On messageand acknowledges receipt (depicted by dotted arrow from Envision PluginModule 709 to Cloud Connectivity Service Module 190 labeled ‘ACK’). Uponreceiving Building Server 100's Sign On, the Envision Plugin Module 709promptly reports the same to the Project Service Module 708, so that itis aware of a new device signing on, and can take any necessary actions(Call Back Discovered Device ( )).

Updating the Software or Firmware of a System Device

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a method of updating the software orfirmware of a System device such as a Sensic device (e.g. Device 101 ofFIG. 1). The arrows shown in the FIG. 9 could represent function calls,commands, or any other mechanism for invoking action or response from anexecuting piece of software or firmware on the same or a different, butaccessible processor. In the description below, HTTPS is sometimesreferred to as the communication protocol between, for example, theBuilding Server and the Gateway, or the Building Server and the Cloud.However, HTTPS is one of many protocols that may be used in anyembodiment. For example, MQTT may also be applicable for thesecommunications. Of the modules illustrated at the top of the figure,three in particular, SW Update Module 703, Project Service Module 708,and SW Images 700 are software modules that reside in a cloud, such asCloud 115 of FIG. 1 or the Cloud of FIG. 7A. Project Service Module 708depicted here is similar to the Project Service Module 708 depicted inFIG. 7A. The remaining three modules or devices illustrated at the topof this figure, namely, FW Update BS Module 721, Gateway 110A and SystemDevice 101 represent physical devices or modules executing on processorsassociated with physical devices that are located within a physicalstructure such as a building. The SW Update Module 703 first executes an“Open” command or function call on the Project Service Module 708. Invarious embodiments, the SW Update Module 703 wishes to open aparticular pre-existing project hierarchy. Project hierarchies have beenpreviously discussed in the context of FIGS. 5A-C and 6. In response, alogical model of the particular project is returned, using which the SWUpdate Module 703 gains access to data associated with a particularfloor (Select (floor)) and data associated with one or more systemdevices (e.g. sensic devices) on the particular floor (Select (Systemdevice)).

The Browse for Update File( ) arrow indicates that the SW Update Module703 requests or otherwise retrieves from the SW Images 700 repository,the URL of an update file related to the system device that the SWUpdate Module 703 previously selected. The SW Update Module 703thereafter sends to the Building Server's FW Update BS Module 721, a FWUpdate message (FW Update (file URL, Device MAC, Communication path))with one or more of the URL of the system device's update file, a DeviceMAC and a communication path. In cases where the device to be updated isthe Building Server itself, the communication path may be empty. If aGateway (e.g. a wireless gateway) is to be updated, the communicationpath is the IP address of the Gateway. And if a system device is to beupdated, the communication path is the IP address of a Wireless Gatewayand/or a ZigBee short address. In various embodiments, the FW Update(file URL, Device MAC, Communication path) arrow will bypass the FWUpdate BS Module 721 completely and proceed to invoke the Gateway's FWUpdate Module 732 directly, at least in the case of updates for systemdevices such as Sensic devices. In the present case (e.g. the embodimentof the method depicted in FIG. 9), the Building Server's FW Update BSModule 721 checks (Check Device MAC ( )) to determine if the Device MACsupplied by the SW Update Module 703 belongs to a building server (e.g.itself). If it doesn't, it initiates the retrieval of the update filefor the device associated with the Device MAC. The HTTPS GET (file URL)arrow indicates the FW Update BS Module 721 using the HTTPS protocol toretrieve the appropriate update file using the file URL previouslyreceived from the SW Update Module 703.

Next, in an embodiment where the Building Server's FW Update BS Module721 has retrieved the update file for the Sensic device to be updated,the Building Server's FW Update BS Module 721 notifies (FW Update ( ))the appropriate Wireless Gateway (e.g. one associated with the Sensicdevice to be updated), with a file URL of the update file. The DeviceMAC and communication path may also be relayed to the Wireless Gatewayat this time. In response, the Wireless Gateway retrieves the updatefile from the Building Server using the conveyed file URL (HTTPS Get(file URL)). In alternative embodiments, the Wireless Gateway itself mayimplement an HTTPS server, rather than having to query the BuildingServer for this information. The Wireless Gateway may also poll theBuilding Server for new updates periodically. Additionally, the WirelessGateway may implement a TLS server socket.

The Image Notify ( ) arrow is a trigger that the Wireless Gateway sendsto the particular Sensic needing an update that there is a new updateavailable. The Query Next Images ( ) arrow arising out of the Sensic(System Device 101) is a response to the trigger from the Sensic,essentially inquiring about details associated with the new update. TheQuery Next Image Response ( ) arrow arising out of the Wireless Gatewayis a response to this query. This response may contain informationrelated to the update, such as versioning information (e.g. major andminor version numbers) and hardware IDs. These queries and responsesare, in many embodiments, conducted using the ZigBee protocol.

At this point, a loop of requests and responses are performed until thewhole of image associated with the Sensic's update file has beentransferred to the Sensic itself. The loop begins with the Sensicrequesting an image block from the Wireless Gateway (Image Block Request( )). In response, the Wireless Gateway responds with the requestedImage Block (Image Block Response ( )). The loop terminates once all theimage blocks in the update image file have been received by the Sensicdevice.

According to many embodiments, following the transfer of all the updatefile image blocks, the Sensic device requests further instructions onproceeding from the Wireless Gateway, by, for example, invoking theUpgrade End Request ( ) method. In some embodiments, the WirelessGateway may respond to the Sensic by indicating that it should notrefrain from starting the software/firmware update until further notice(Update End Response ( )). This Upgrade End Request/Responsecommunication is usually accomplished using the ZigBee protocol, but isnot necessarily limited to it. Next, the Wireless Gateway invokes amethod to notify the Building Server's FW Update BS Module 721 of a newstatus associated with the Sensic Device (HTTPS (Status, Device MAC)).Upon receipt of this notice, the Building Server's FW Update BS Module721, in turn, notifies the SW Update Module 703 on the Cloud that aSensic device associated with a particular MAC address is ready for anUpdate (Status Update (Device MAC)). In response, the SW Update Module703 may invoke a method at the Building Server's FW Update BS Module 721to trigger the initiation of the update at the Sensic device (Trigger FWUpdate (Device MAC, communication path)). This trigger may communicatethe Sensic device's MAC address and/or the communication path of theSensic device. In many embodiments, the Building Server's FW Update BSModule 721 in turn notifies the Wireless Gateway of the update triggerusing a similar mechanism (Trigger FW Update (Device MAC, communicationpath)). In response to this notification, the Wireless Gateway notifiesthe Sensic Device identified by the MAC device address and/orcommunication path that it may now begin applying the update (Update EndResponse(Now)). The Sensic thereafter applies the update using the imageblocks of the update previously received (Apply FW Update( )). After theSensic has finished installing the update and has performed othernecessary tasks, like successfully rebooting, it indicates to theWireless Gateway that it is now ready to sign on and resume usualoperations (Sign On( )).

Building Server Localization

FIGS. 10A and 10B together illustrate an embodiment of a method oflocalizing a Building Server at the exemplary cloud-based system formonitoring and controlling physical environments. The boxes at the topof both figures represent a Building Server 100 inside a facility (e.g.Building Server 100 of FIG. 1), and various cloud-based modulesassociated, for example, with Cloud 115 of FIG. 1. Project ServiceModule 708, Envision Plugin Module 709, Envision Deployment EngineModule 711, Cloud Connectivity Service Module 190, and DeviceRegistration Module 704 are all embodiments of identically namedcloud-based modules previously described in the context of FIG. 7A.Additionally, System Map Application Module 160 is a cloud-basedapplication module previously described in the context of FIGS. 1 and 6.User C, depicted on the left of FIG. 10A was also previously describedin the context of FIG. 6. Essentially, User C is a person, such as aninstaller or commissioning engineer, whose main task may be tophysically and logically install devices within a building based on acreated digital model of a building. User C or some other similarlycredentialed user can thereafter participate in the commissioning,configuration and deployment processes.

The presently depicted embodiment begins with the Project Service Module708 in the Cloud self-starting (Start Project Service ( )), and invokingan instance of the Envision Plugin Module 709 (Start ( )). Onceexecuting, the instance of the Envision Plugin Module 709 registersitself with the Cloud Connectivity Service Module 190 (Register ( )). Inthe meantime, the Building Server 100 in a building to be monitoredregisters itself with the Device Registration Module 704. The BuildingServer 100's registration process has been described in more detail inthe description accompanying FIGS. 8A and 8B. One of the initial stepsin the registration process involves the Building Server 100 invoking anAPI call (Register ( )) at the Device Registration Module 704, andproviding its locally stored Building Server ID, which is, in variousembodiments, a MAC address. The Device Registration Module 704, uponsuccessful registration, returns an address/location at which theBuilding Server 100 can continue further communications with the Cloud,and the credentials that the Building Server 100 is required to presentto access various services offered by the Cloud (Connection Settings()). These credentials are typically issued per Building Server instance.Using the received connection settings and its Building Server ID, theBuilding Server 100 next initiates the creation of a secure connectionby contacting the Cloud Connectivity Service Module 190 at theaddress/location provided by the Device Registration Module 704 (CreateConnection (Building Server ID)). Upon successful setup of a securedconnection with the Cloud, the Cloud Connectivity Service Module 190notifies the Building Server 100 of the same (depicted by the arrowlabeled ‘OK’).

Next, Building Server 100 proceeds to announce itself to the Cloud—viathe Envision Deployment Engine (EDE) Module 711. It essentially invokesAPI exposed by the EDE Module 711 for this very purpose, and providesvarious pieces of information about itself (e.g. it's Building ServerID, and software and hardware versioning information). This isrepresented by the arrow labeled Building Server Announce (DeviceInformation) in FIG. 10A. In order to communicate this announcement tothe Project Service Module 708, which is the module that communicatesdata from devices such as Building Server 100 System Application Modulessuch as System Project Application Module 140 and System Map ApplicationModule 160, the Building Server's announcement has to first bepropagated to the Envision Plugin Module 709 (Building Service Announce()). In some embodiments, the Building Server Announcement from BuildingServer 100 is sent directly to the Envision Plugin Module 709 itself,rather than to the Envision Deployment Engine Module 711. Once theBuilding Server's announcement has reached the Cloud through theEnvision Plugin Module 709, the Project Service Module 708 is notified,and it adds the Building Server to a list of known devices (Add Deviceto Discovery List ( )). Project Service Module 708 may do so by anyknown means, such as adding the Building Server's ID as well as otherinformation (e.g. versioning information) to a database.

Once Building Server 100 is registered and connected, and the ProjectService Module 708 is aware of its presence, a user (e.g. User Cdepicted in the figure) may access a system application module (StartApp) while he/she is onsite using the front-end of the applicationpresented on a mobile device such as a tablet computer. User C may be,for example, an Installer or Commissioning Engineer who has previouslybeen granted the necessary access credentials to access one or moresystem applications, such as System Map Application Module 160.Exemplary system application modules were previously discussed in moredetail in the context of FIGS. 1 and 6. User C, in various embodiments,then browses through the various projects he/she has access to, based onhis/her role and credentials, and graphically selects the Projecthierarchy and the Building associated with the site(s) he/she isphysically at (Select Project (Building)). System Map Application Module160 then fetches or requests (Get ( )) from Project Service Module 708,a previously created data model for the selected Building. In response,Project Service Module 708 provides a digital Floor Plan associated withthe selected Building (Floor Plan ( )), which is thereafter displayed onthe front-end of the System Map Application Module 160 executing on UserC's mobile computing device (dotted arrow).

Next, User C indicates on the front-end of the System Map ApplicationModule 160 that he/she wishes to localize a Building Server (Selection(Building Server)). This may be done by simply selecting an icon of abuilding server, and dragging it onto a visual representation of thebuilding's floor plan. This user interaction with system applicationmodule indicates that it is time for User C to take a picture of theBuilding Server's unique, manufacturer provided QR code. Accordingly,the Application Module 160 activates the Camera device on User C'smobile computing device (Start Camera ( )), and requests the QR codefrom User C (Ask For QR Code( )). User C complies by taking a picture ofthe portion of the Building Server that contains the QR code. The QRcode is used as an example here and is not meant to be limiting. Anyunique code physically mounted or otherwise affixed on the BuildingServer may be used in other embodiments. The System Map ApplicationModule 160 thereafter extracts the QR code from the image captured bythe camera device on User C's mobile device (Return QR Code (ID)).

The remaining steps associated with this embodiment of localizing aBuilding Server is depicted in FIG. 10B. Once the System Map ApplicationModule 160 has retrieved the QR code data from the image taken by thecamera on User C's mobile device, Application Module 160 transmits theBuilding Server's ID along with the QR code data to the Project ServiceModule 708 (PUT <Building Server ID>(QR Data)). This may, in someembodiments, be accomplished via an HTTPS PUT method invocation. Inresponse, the Project Service Module 708 searches for a device with thematching QR code data in an accessible Discovery List, and returns aprofile of the identified device, e.g. “Discovered Device Profile”(Search for Device in Discovery List (QR Data, Discovered DeviceProfile)). Next, the Project Service Module 708 associates, in a memory,the physical device (e.g. Building Server whose QR code was captured inan image by User C) with a virtual device for localization onto thefloor plan of the model of the Building in which the physical BuildingServer resides (Associate Physical To Virtual Device (Model, DiscoveredDevice Profile)). The Project Service Module 708 thereafter returns anacknowledgement (dotted arrow) to the System Map Application Module 160.

Following receipt of the acknowledgement, Application Module 160 checksto determine whether or not the Building Server that User C islocalizing is online or offline. Accordingly, it invokes the appropriateAPI call at the Project Service Module 708, and provides the requisiteBuilding Server ID (Get Online Status (Building Server ID)). The ProjectService Module 708 performs a lookup (e.g. in a database) using thesupplied Building Server ID to retrieve the associated Discovered DeviceProfile (Lookup (Building Server ID, Discovered Device Profile)). Usingthe Discovered Device Profile, the Project Service Module 708 theninvokes the Envision Plugin Module 709 with the appropriate ID of theBuilding Server and a request for online status (Get Online Status (BSID)), which the Envision Plugin Module 709 can thereafter use to contactthe correct Building Server to directly request online statusinformation (Request Online Status( )). Building Server 100 then returnsits online status (e.g. an indication of whether it is presently onlineor offline) (dotted arrow). This information is then propagated by theEnvision Plugin Module 709 to the Project Service Module 708 via, forexample, an invocation of the appropriate API call (Call Back DeviceStatus (Online)). Based on the information received by the ProjectService Module 708 (e.g. online or offline), the Project Service Module708 informs the System Map Application Module 160 appropriately(alternate dotted arrows Online and Offline). If Building Server 100 ispresently online (e.g. at the time User C is attempting to complete thelocalization process), then System Map Application Module 160 informsUser C that the Building Server has been successfully localized (ShowSuccessful Localization ( )). Alternatively, if Building Server 100 ispresently determined to be offline, then the Project Service Module 708,in various embodiments, removes the previously created associationbetween the Discovered Device Profile and the physical Building Server,and the System Map Application Module 160 informs User C that theLocalization has failed (Show Localization Failure ( )). User C may beinformed of the reason that the localization failed, for example, thatBuilding Server 100 is offline and it is necessary for the BuildingServer to be online for localization to complete appropriately.

Gateway Localization

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a method of localizing a wirelessGateway (e.g. Gateway 110A of FIG. 1) at the exemplary cloud-basedsystem for monitoring and controlling a physical environment. The boxesat the top of the figure represent a Building Server 100 inside afacility (e.g. similar to Building Server 100 of FIG. 1), and variouscloud-based modules associated, for example, with Cloud 115 of FIG. 1.Envision Plugin Module 709, and Project Service Module 708 areembodiments of identically named cloud-based modules previouslydescribed in the context of FIG. 7A. Additionally, System MapApplication Module 160 is a cloud-based application previously describedin the context of FIGS. 1 and 6. User C, depicted on the left of FIG. 11was also previously described in the context of FIG. 6. Essentially,User C is a person, such as an installer or commissioning engineer, whoperforms tasks such as physically and logically installing deviceswithin a building based on a created digital model of a building, andthereafter participating in the commissioning, configuration, and/ordeployment processes.

In some embodiments, the localization process for wireless Gateway 110Abegins with the wireless Gateway sending a Sign On message via, forexample, the MQTT protocol. The Sign On message, in many embodiments,contains the Building Server's unique ID, the IP Address of the wirelessGateway, information regarding the gateway, and an ID associated withthe wireless Gateway (Sign On (Building Server ID, IP Address, DeviceInfo, Wireless Gateway ID)). In various embodiments, the Building Serverruns an MQTT proxy (e.g. as depicted in FIG. 7B), which then forwardsthe Sign On message to the Envision Plugin Module 709 (depicted assecond arrow labeled Sign On (Building Server ID, IP Address, DeviceInfo, Wireless Gateway ID)). The Envision Plugin Module 709, on itspart, forwards the Sign On message and its associated parameters to theProject Service Module 708 running on Cloud 115. To do so, it may invokea CallBack method or function that the Project Service Module 708exposes as part of its API (CallBack (Building Server ID, IP Address,Device Info, Wireless Gateway ID)). The CallBack is a way of informingthe Project Service Module 708 that a new device, yet to be localized,is attempting a sign on and is available. The Project Service Module 708then adds the information regarding the wireless Gateway 110A receivedin the Call Back to its list of “new” devices it hadn't encounteredpreviously (Add Device To Discovery List ( )).

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, User C graphically selects an iconrepresenting wireless Gateway 110A on the user interface of the SystemMap Application Module 160 executing on a portable computing device suchas a tablet computer (Selection of Wireless Gateway). This causes theSystem Map Application Module 160 to activate a camera application onthe portable device (Start Camera ( )). The Map Application Module 160may then prompt User C for a QR Code associated with the wirelessGateway (Ask For QR Code ( )). To comply, User C points the camera to apart of the wireless Gateway that has the QR Code on it, and takes apicture (Take Picture ( )). The image is then analyzed by the MapApplication Module 160 and the QR Code is extracted (Return And DecodeQR Code ( )).

Once the QR Code is extracted from the image, the Map Application Module160 requests that the Project Service Module 708 associate the physicaldevice associated with the QR Code with the Virtual Device representedin the Building's data model (e.g. on the digital floor plan of theBuilding) and represented on the Map Application Module 160's graphicaluser interface (Associate Physical To Virtual Device (QR Code, VirtualDevice ID)). In many embodiments, in order to identify the physicaldevice, the Map Application Module 160 supplies the QR Code and in orderto identify the virtual device, it supplies a virtual device ID. Inresponse, the Project Service Module 708 locates the virtual device inits list of discovered devices (Search For Device In List ( )), andthereafter associates, in a memory, the physical device (e.g. thewireless Gateway whose QR Code was captured in an image by User C) withthe virtual device (e.g. the virtual device in its list matching theVirtual Device ID supplied by System Map Application Module 160) forlocalization purposes (Associate Physical To Virtual Device ( )). TheProject Service Module 708 thereafter returns an acknowledgement toSystem Map Application Module 160 (depicted by the dotted arrow fromProject Service Module 708 to System Map Application Module 160).

Following receipt of the acknowledgement of the association, System MapApplication Module 160 requests the Online Status associated with thewireless Gateway. To allow the Project Service Module 708 to retrievethe status, it supplies the virtual device ID of the wireless Gateway(Get Online Status (Virtual Device ID)). The Project Service Module 708thereafter retrieves a Discovered Device Profile based on the virtualdevice ID. In various embodiments, the profile includes the physicaladdress of the device (in this example, the wireless Gateway) (LookUp(Virtual Device ID, Discovered Device Profile)). The Project ServiceModule 708 then forwards the request for the Online Status of thewireless Gateway to the Envision Plugin Module 709 (Get Online Status(Discovered Device Profile)), and this request is cascaded (Request SignOn ( )) to the appropriate Building Server (in this example, BuildingServer 100). In many embodiments, the physical address of the wirelessgateway included in the Discovered Device Profile also identifies theaddress of the appropriate Building Server that is associated with thegateway in question. The Building Server 100 requests the wirelessGateway identified in the Discovered Device Profile to Sign On (RequestSign On ( )), and in response, the wireless Gateway signs on andindicates the same to the Building Server (Sign On ( )). The BuildingServer thereafter informs the Envision Plugin Module 709 that thewireless Gateway is online (Online Status Result (True)), and thePlugin, in turn, informs the Project Service Module 708 using, forexample, its CallBack API (CallBack (Online Status True)). Lastly, theProject Service Module 708 informs the System Map Application Module 160that the wireless Gateway is indeed online (Device Online( )), and theMap Application Module, in turn indicates successful localization toUser C (Show Successful Localization ( )).

Localize System Devices such as Sensic Devices

FIGS. 12A, 12B-I, and 12B-II illustrate an embodiment of a method oflocalizing a System device, such as a Sensic device (e.g. a luminaire)at the exemplary cloud-based system for monitoring and controlling aphysical environment. The boxes at the top of the figure represent aBuilding Server inside a facility (e.g. Building Server 100 of FIG. 1),a wireless Gateway (e.g. Gate 110A of FIG. 1), a Sensic Device (e.g.Device 101 of FIG. 1), an IR remote control device, and variouscloud-based modules associated, for example, with Cloud 115 of FIG. 1.Envision Plugin Module 709 and Project Service Module 708 areembodiments of identically named cloud-based modules previouslydescribed in the context of FIG. 7A. Additionally, System MapApplication Module 160 is a cloud-based application previously describedin the context of FIGS. 1 and 6. User C, depicted on the top left of thefigures was also previously described in the context of FIG. 6.Essentially, User C is a person, such as an installer or commissioningengineer, whose main task in this context may be to physically andlogically install devices within a building based on a created digitalmodel of a building. In many embodiments, User C thereafter participatesin the commissioning, configuration, and deployment processes.

User C begins the localization process by selecting a Sensic device,such as a luminaire depicted on the digital floor plan of a buildingpresented on the System Map Application Module 160 (Selection (Sensic)).As previously discussed, the front end of the Map module 160 may beexecuting on a tablet computing device. As, in many embodiments, theunderlying data model used to populate the floorplan already hasinformation on the wireless Gateway associated with the selected Sensicdevice, the Map module 160 requests that the Project Service Module 708open the network associated with the particular wireless Gateway. Tofacilitate opening of the network, Map module 160 supplies theappropriate ID of the Gateway (Open Network (Gateway ID)). Upon receiptof this request, the Project Service Module 708 forwards a similarrequest to the Envision Plugin Module 709 after adding the associatedBuilding Server's ID and the Gateway's IP Address (Open Network (BuilderServer ID, Gateway ID, Gateway IP Address)). The Envision Plugin Module709, in turn, requests that the particular Building Server identified bythe supplied Building Server's ID open a ZigBee Network. To facilitatethis, the plugin supplies the associated Gateway's IP Address (OpenZigBee Network (Gateway IP Address)). The Building Server (e.g. BuildingServer 100 in this example), in response, forwards a similar request toopen its ZigBee network to the wireless Gateway identified by theGateway IP Address (Open ZigBee Network ( )). The wireless Gateway (e.g.Gateway 110A in this example) opens its ZigBee network and informs allassociated Sensic devices of the same (Send Beacon ( )). WirelessGateway 110A also notifies Building Server 100 that the network has beensuccessfully opened (Network Open ( )). Building Server 100, in turn,notifies the Envision Plugin Module 709 of the successful opening of theZigBee network (Notify (Successful Open)). The Plugin Module 709, forits part, notifies the Project Service Module 708 that the status of theparticular network has changed to an “Open” status (Network StatusChange (Open)). The Project Service Module 709 thereafter notifies theSystem Map Application Module 160 that the Network Open requestoriginally received from the application module has indeed beensuccessfully completed, and the Network associated with the particularGateway ID identified by the application module is in fact open (NetworkOpen (Gateway ID)). In some embodiments, the System Map ApplicationModule 160, on receipt of this information, displays its IR remotedialog on its GUI (Show IR Dialog ( )).

Once the IR remote dialog has been opened on the Map application module,User C is free to point the IR remote control device to the Sensic ofinterest and press a button to indicate that the Sensic should be addedto the network of its wireless Gateway. In many embodiments, this buttonmay be designated the “Add” button. The IR remote control device,receives this input and, in response, sends a signal to the Sensicdevice indicating that the Sensic device should add itself to itswireless Gateway's open network (Add ( )). Having received thisinstruction, the Sensic device sends the wireless Gateway 110A a requestto join its network (Request Join( )), after which the wireless Gateway110A adds the Sensic to its wireless network (Add Device To Network ()), and informs the Sensic that its request to join the Gateway'snetwork was accepted (Accept Join ( )). In many embodiments, if a Sensicjoins the wireless Gateway's network, it picks a short address toidentity itself. The Sensic then Signs On with the wireless Gateway110A, providing its device information as well as its short address. Thewireless Gateway 110A forwards the Sign On request to the BuildingServer 100 along with a Sensic ID associated with the Sensic, thewireless Gateway's own ID, the Building Server's ID, the WirelessGateway's IP Address, and the Sensic's device information (Sign On(Sensic ID, Gateway ID, Building Server ID, Gateway IP Address, DeviceInfo)). In various embodiments, wireless Gateway 110A may provide asubset of the above-identified information. Upon receipt, BuildingServer 100 forwards the same request to the Envision Plugin Module 709.The Plugin module invokes a CallBack method of the Project ServiceModule 708 with the same or similar parameters (CallBack (Sensic ID,Gateway ID, Building Server ID, Gateway IP Address, Device Info)), andthe Project Service Module 708, in turn, informs the System MapApplication Module 160 that a new device corresponding to the Sensicpreviously selected on the application by User C has been discovered. Inmany embodiments, the Project Service Module 708 also forwards to theMap Application Module 160, a unique physical device identifier as aparameter to a function call (Discovered Device (Physical Device ID)).

Thereafter, as depicted in FIGS. 12B-I and 12B-II, the Project ServiceModule 708 adds the Sensic device to a list of devices being managed bythe Cloud (Add Physical Device To Device Manager List (Physical DeviceID, Virtual Device ID)). As previously discussed in the context oflocalizing the Gateway and the Building Server, the physical device IDis typically a unique identifier associated with the physical deviceitself (e.g. a manufacturer-provided ID) and the virtual device ID istypically a unique identifier that may already be associated with avirtual representation (e.g. in a database) of the physical device. Forexample, a data model associated with the particular building housingthe physical Sensic may have a virtual identifier to represent thephysical Sensic even before the physical Sensic is actually localized orassociated with its virtual representation.

Next, the Project Service Module 708 associates, in a memory such as adatabase, the physical device ID of the Sensic with its virtual deviceID (Associate Physical To Virtual Device (Physical Device ID, VirtualDevice ID)). In the meantime, the System Map Application Module 160indicates (e.g. visually) to User C that the Sensic device has beensuccessfully localized (Show Successful Localization ( )). User C canthereafter proceed to localize another Sensic device by, for example,selecting an icon representing the Sensic device on the digitalfloorplan displayed on the Map Application Module 160 (Selection (SensicDevice)). In various embodiments, even while the Cloud system isinvolved in localizing various Sensic devices in a building, deploymentof the already-localized devices proceeds automatically, in parallel,and without any further assistance or intervention from User C.

The Project Service Module 708 typically begins the deployment processfor a localized Sensic device (e.g. a luminaire) by invoking a method ofits own with the virtual device ID of the Sensic device (Deploy (VirtualDevice ID)). Thereafter, the Project Service Module sends a request tothe Envision Plugin Module 709 to create a device configuration suitablefor the Sensic device. In various embodiments, such a request includesthe virtual device ID of the Sensic device, an indication of the area inwhich the device is located (e.g. hallway, meeting room, office,building floor), and one or more template fragments (in a human ormachine readable format) indicating the behavior of the Sensic deviceunder various circumstances (e.g. a change in occupancy, light or heat)(Create Device Configuration (Virtual Device ID, Area, TemplateFragments)). The Envision Plugin Module 709, on receiving the request,simply forwards it to the Envision Deployment Engine Module 711 afterperforming any necessary translations between protocols. Upon receivingthe request, the Envision Deployment Engine Module 711 creates a TargetConfiguration file that is readable by the Sensic device in question,using the received template fragments, area information, and virtualdevice ID (Create Device Configuration (Virtual Device ID, Area,Template Fragments)). Acknowledgements of successful creation arecascaded back to the Envision Plugin Module 709 and the Project ServiceModule 708 (depicted by dotted arrows labeled ‘ACK’).

Once the Project Service Module 708 has received acknowledgement of thesuccessful creation of the Target Configuration, it sends a request tothe Envision Plugin Module 709 to begin updating the Sensic device'sconfiguration (Send Update Command (Virtual Device ID, TargetConfiguration)). In response, the Envision Plugin Module 709 forwards asimilar request to Building Server 100 after performing any necessaryprotocol format translations. Building Server 100 then adds the Updaterequest, along with the virtual device ID to an update queue that holdssimilar requests to update the configurations of various devices (QueueCommand (Virtual Device ID)). This is due to the fact that User C canlocalize new devices while other localized devices are being configured.The configuration process, particularly the writing of the manyconfiguration data blocks to the devices themselves, may be timeconsuming. Accordingly, in many embodiments, as requests to configure arecently localized device is received by Building Server 100, it isadded to a queue and processed on a first-come-first-served basis.Assuming that the Sensic device at issue in this example is the first onto be added to the Queue, Building Server 100 notifies the Sensic devicethat it should now begin listening for commands from the Building Server(Listen To Me ( )). In response, the Sensic device sends anacknowledgement back to Building Server 100(depicted by a dotted arrowlabeled ‘ACK’).

Next, Building Server 100 sends a signal/message to the wireless Gateway110A that it wishes to write a block of configuration data to aparticular Sensic device identified by a virtual device ID (WriteConfiguration Block (Virtual Device ID, Configuration Block)). TheWireless Gateway forwards the message to the correct Sensic deviceidentified by the virtual device ID. Upon receiving an acknowledgementfrom the Sensic device, it is cascaded back to Building Server 100(depicted by the two dotted arrows labeled ‘ACK’). Such a sequence isconducted repeatedly until all the blocks associated with the createdTarget Configuration file for the Sensic device have been written to theSensic device. Once all the blocks have been written, Building Server100 notifies the Envision Plugin Module 709 that the particular Sensicdevice's configuration update has been completed (Update Complete(Virtual Device ID)). This message is then cascaded to the ProjectService Module 708, which records the fact that the particular Sensicdevice's configuration is now up-to-date. The Project Service may do soin a variety of ways, including updating a database accessible to thecloud based application modules to indicate the same (Device ConfigUptodate ( )). Lastly, the Project Service sends a message to the SystemMap Application Module 160 indicating that configuration of theparticular Sensic device is now complete (Update Complete (VirtualDevice ID)).

Building Server 100, in the meantime, also sends a reset message to theSensic device (Reset ( )), which causes the Sensic device to rebootitself In many embodiments, upon successfully rebooting itself, theSensic device sends a Sign On message to Building Server 100, along withits device information, and an indication that the device has a newconfiguration (Sign On (Device Info, New Configuration)).

While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustratedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision avariety of other means and/or structures for performing the functionand/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantagesdescribed herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications isdeemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments describedherein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciatethat all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations describedherein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters,dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon thespecific application or applications for which the inventive teachingsis/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able toascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalentsto the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is,therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presentedby way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claimsand equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practicedotherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventiveembodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individualfeature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein.In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent,is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood tocontrol over dictionary definitions, definitions in documentsincorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the definedterms.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in thespecification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in theclaims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements soconjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some casesand disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with“and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” ofthe elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be presentother than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause,whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when usedin conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer,in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other thanB); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionallyincluding other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should beunderstood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. Forexample, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall beinterpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, butalso including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and,optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated tothe contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when usedin the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactlyone element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or”as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusivealternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded byterms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or“exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims,shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “atleast one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should beunderstood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more ofthe elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including atleast one of each and every element specifically listed within the listof elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the listof elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally bepresent other than the elements specifically identified within the listof elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether relatedor unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as anon-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “atleast one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) canrefer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including morethan one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements otherthan B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally includingmore than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionallyincluding more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including morethan one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one stepor act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarilylimited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method arerecited.

Reference numerals appearing in the claims between parentheses areprovided merely for convenience in line with European patent practiceand should not be construed as limiting the claims in any way.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitionalphrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,”“containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are tobe understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limitedto. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consistingessentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases,respectively.

1. A computing cloud for monitoring physical environments comprising:one or more data storage units configured to store at least one ofproject data, diagnostic data and environmental metric data; and asystem project application module configured to allow a user tographically explore at least project data comprising at least oneproject hierarchy, and to control graphical access to one or moreapplication modules based on at least the user's credentials, the atleast one project hierarchy being associated with at least one site, theat least one site being associated with at least one building, the atleast one building being associated at least one floor, the at least onefloor being associated with at least one system device, wherein theapplication modules comprise one or more of: a system intake applicationmodule configured to graphically facilitate the user's creation andmanipulation of a virtual model of the at least one building associatedwith the at least one project hierarchy; a system map application moduleconfigured to enable the user to commission, localize and/or deploy oneor more system devices; and a system energy application moduleconfigured to graphically depict data produced by a data analyticsmodule, the analysis being conducted using at least one of thediagnostic data and the environmental metric data.
 2. The computingcloud of claim 1, further comprising: a user management applicationmodule configured to create user accounts for at least the user, and toassign one or more credentials to the user accounts, the credentialscomprising at least a role and login information.
 3. The computing cloudof claim 2, further comprising: a system login application moduleconfigured to receive the credentials associated with a user account,and based on the credentials, control access to the system projectapplication module.
 4. The computing cloud of claim 1, furthercomprising: a system operations application module configured toremotely manage indications of system errors, the system errorscomprising one or more of: errors in system device operation, errors inenvironmental metric data collection or analysis, and errors incommissioning, localization or deployment.
 5. The computing cloud ofclaim 1, wherein commissioning comprises associating, via a gateway anda building server, a system device's unique identification informationwith its location on a virtual model of a physical space, the physicalspace comprising the floor of a building.
 6. The computing cloud ofclaim 1, wherein localization comprises adding the system device, basedon its unique identification information comprising a physical deviceID, to a set of devices being managed by the computing cloud, andassociating the physical device ID of the system device with a virtualdevice ID associated with a virtual representation of the system devicein a memory.
 7. The computing cloud of claim 1, wherein deploymentcomprises applying configuration data to system devices, theconfiguration data being used to prescribe the behavior of the systemdevices in response to events comprising changes in ambient lighting,changes in occupancy, or passage of time.
 8. The computing cloud ofclaim 1, wherein allowing a user to graphically explore at least projectdata comprises: restricting the user's access to one or more parts of aproject hierarchy associated with the project data, the restrictingbeing based on the system project application module interacting with asystem users application module, wherein the system users applicationmodule is configured to manage a user's access rights to project databased at least on the user's credentials.
 9. The computing cloud ofclaim 1, wherein the manipulation of the virtual model comprises one ormore of: graphically associating floorplan data with a physical orvirtual floor, graphically associating one or more regions within aphysical or virtual floor with one or more types of functional spaces,graphically depicting system devices at one or more locations of afloor, and associating configuration data with one or more regions of afloor or one or more system devices.
 10. The computing cloud of claim 2,wherein the login information of a user account comprises a username anda password, wherein the system project application module allowing theuser to graphically explore at least project data is based at least onthe user's credentials, and wherein the system project applicationmodule controlling graphical access to one or more application modulesis based at least on the user's role.
 11. The computing cloud of claim1, wherein the system project application module allows the user to tographically explore at least project data comprising at least oneproject hierarchy in a hierarchical manner, wherein the explorationbegins at a high level in the project hierarchy comprising one or moresites, and proceeds, based on the user's credentials, to lower levels inthe hierarchy comprising one or more buildings within a site, one ormore floors within a building, and one or more areas within a floor. 12.The computing cloud of claim 1, wherein the environmental metric datacomprises data indicating usage of one or more system devices, thesystem devices comprising gateways, sensic devices, and buildingservers, and the diagnostic data comprises data indicative of thefunctioning of one or more system devices.
 13. (canceled)
 14. Thecomputing cloud of claim 4, wherein the building comprises any naturalor constructed physical structure.
 15. The computing cloud of claim 1,wherein the role is task-based and comprises the roles of: operationalpersonnel, intake engineer, installer, commissioner, facilitiespersonnel, finance personnel, sustainability personnel, and end user.